Donovan Mitchell talks on playing through injury / News - Basketnews.com

Donovan Mitchell said that he was playing through injury against the Celtics because the Cavaliers were down by 20, and "it's that time of the year".

Credit: USA Sports Today-Scanpix Credit USA Sports Today-Scanpix

Donovan Mitchell hurt his groin during the third quarter but eventually remained on the court.

Player of the Game EFF 45 Jayson Tatum Points 41 Accuracy 13-21 Rebounds 11 Assists 8

After that, Mitchell inspired a huge Cleveland Cavaliers run, almost erasing a 20-point deficit before losing to the Boston Celtics 113-117.

Mitchell finished the game with 44 points (13/20 2PT, 4/12 3PT, 6/7 FT), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 turnovers.

"We were down 20," Mitchell said on his decision to play through injury. "In some of those moments, honestly, you're playing off of adrenaline."

Mitchell explained that he wasn't sure whether he could return to the court if he cooled off. Therefore, he stayed in the game, scoring 29 of 44 points in the second half.

"It was just one of those things – you just leave me in, and I'll keep going and just try to make plays," Mitchell said. "It's this time of year. Try to win these games, and that was really my mindset. There was just no coming out of the game for me. It was just trying to find ways to make plays, and shots started to fall. Ultimately, we've got two days off, get some rest, get it rehabbed, and get ready for Detroit."

However, the Cavaliers guard wasn't sure how his body will react the next morning.

"We'll see what tomorrow is like, obviously, with the adrenaline being what it is," Mitchell said. "But it's that time [of the year]. It's that time."

This season Mitchell averages 27.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.

The Cavaliers have a 39-26 record and stand in 4th place in the Eastern Conference.

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