The Utah Jazz have recently been upset by the Memphis Grizzlies, putting them into a 0-1 hole for the series. While the Utah Jazz are widely expected to still win this series, it has certainly started off in an exciting manner. Ja Morant’s playoff debut was amazing, and it came right after he eliminated Stephen Curry in a play-in game. The Utah Jazz will need to come back strong against the Grizzlies or risk being down 2-0.
Part of the reason that the Utah Jazz lost was due to the absence of their primary scorer, Donovan Mitchell. The Utah Jazz decided to hold him out due to an ankle sprain. Despite that, it was rumored that Donovan Mitchell wanted to play in the game, and was unhappy with the Utah Jazz over the situation.
Donovan Mitchell is out tonight (right ankle sprain).
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) May 23, 2021
Rudy Gobert, on the Donovan Mitchell situation: "It was a big surprise. But I try to stay out of all this — it's just gonna give me a headache. … When you wake up from a nap and find out your star player isn't going to play, it throws you off a little bit."
— tribjazz (@tribjazz) May 24, 2021
Sorry y’all… I wish I could say more…. I’ll be out there soon !❤️🙏🏾
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) May 24, 2021
“Excuse my language, but we’ve got s–t to handle.”
Donovan Mitchell says he was frustrated about not playing in Game 1
(h/t @espn_macmahon) pic.twitter.com/yqTphBGxCq
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 24, 2021
Donovan Mitchell will play in Game 2 on Wednesday night pic.twitter.com/zhc7PO4nlp
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 24, 2021
It is often best for a player to wait out until they are fully healthy if they are coming back from a serious injury. There is no doubt though, that players want to play in the playoffs, as that is what the season ultimately is about. Playing in the playoffs and competing for championships. Donovan Mitchell is a competitor, and it is clear he just wanted to be on the court to support his teammates.
Donovan Mitchell’s return will mean that the Utah Jazz will get their leading scorer back, which could only be good for their chances. Mitchell will definitely provide them with that extra push that they need to beat the Memphis Grizzlies and fill the hole they have offensively.
