Utah Jazz star guard Donovan Mitchell was ruled out of a 132-106 Game 3 loss to the LA Clippers on Saturday because of a pain in his right ankle, but his decision not to return was due to a one-sided score.
"I think I was able to go back, but at that point there was no need to risk it below 16, 18," Mitchell said. "I'll be good."
A right ankle sprain sidelined Mitchell for the final 16 games of the regular season and the Jazz's playoff opener after he was angered by Utah medical staff's late decision to bruise him.
Despite dealing with persistent ankle pain, Mitchell averaged 32.3 points per game during the playoffs, including 30 points on 24 of 11 shootings in Game 3.
"It's when I land," said Mitchell. "It's just trying to manage it. I really don't know what else to tell you; I don't want to say much. It was just landing, but I'm good. I'll be ready for game 4."
Mitchell limped off the court after a driving lay-up attempt with 7 minutes, 5 seconds remaining. He briefly walked in the tunnel before returning to the jazz bench.
With the game slipping away from the Jazz, Mitchell chats with coach Quinn Snyder. He did not return to the sport, although the Utah medical staff cleared him to return.
"He's in good shape," Snyder said. "He could have gone back into the game, but at that point, the lead had gone up. In fact, while we were talking, I think Kavi hit a 3. It was my decision not to bring him back at that point. The game was that. Time had run away from us, but that's okay."
In the final moments of the game, Mitchell sat on the bench with his right shoe and ankle on the ice.
"Obviously it's not going to be 100 percent, but you go out there and you try to compete," Mitchell said. "Things like this are going to happen. You just have to find ways to manage it and get out there and be prepared. It's not going to be perfect, but it is what it is."