Donovan Mitchell Enters Concussion Protocol
Jan 18, 2022, 5:26 PM | Updated: 5:30 pm
Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz warms up before Game Two of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 26, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Just when it looked like the Utah Jazz were on the mend, Donovan Mitchell was added to the team’s injury list due to a concussion.
The All-Star guard suffered a blow to the head in the final minute of the first half of the team’s 101-95 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday and began to feel symptoms after the game.
Mitchell had a productive third quarter after sustaining the injury scoring seven points, grabbing six rebounds, and handing out four assists, but went scoreless in the fourth quarter on 0-4 shooting with two assists and no rebounds.
Donovan Mitchell is in the NBA’s concussion protocol after taking a hit shortly before halftime in the @UtahJazz loss to the @Lakers.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) January 19, 2022
The guard finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in the loss.
The severity of Mitchell’s concussion and his symptoms will determine how long he’s away, though the team has ruled him for Wednesday night’s game against the Houston Rockets.
Earlier this season, reserve center Hassan Whiteside suffered a concussion on New Year’s Eve and missed the team’s following three games over a six-day period.
Mitchell has already missed four games this season, though the team is 3-1 in his absences.
The guard missed his first game of the season in the team’s November 4 victory over the Atlanta Hawks due to an ankle injury.
Jazz Injury Report (as of 1/18):
OUT – Donovan Mitchell (Concussion Protocol)
OUT – Hassan Whiteside (Health & Safety Protocols)
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 19, 2022
In late December Mitchell skipped a Jazz mini road trip as he recovered from a lower back strain that also sidelined him against the Toronto Raptors two weeks ago.
Prior to the concussion, Mitchell was averaging 25.5 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 45 percent from the floor and 34 percent from the three-point line.
Hassan Whiteside is also scheduled to miss the team’s game against the Rockets as he remains in the NBA’s COVID protocols.
