Central Division Roundup: Mitchell Returns, Tyson Sidelined, Toppin Back, Harden Adds Firepower
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Donovan Mitchell rejoined the Cavaliers on Saturday after missing one game with a bruised eye and delivered 27 points on 23 shots in a five-point victory. Head coach Kenny Atkinson said the guard had collided with teammate Evan Mobley during practice earlier in the week, leaving him with blurred vision. Mitchell had already played through the injury Tuesday against Milwaukee, finishing 4-for-14 from the field with 19 points in 34 minutes while his eye remained bloodshot.
Cleveland’s Rotation Hit Again
Jaylon Tyson, one of the season’s surprise contributors for Cleveland, exited Thursday’s contest against Chicago with a toe injury and did not return. The rookie said he chose to sit rather than risk hurting the team by playing through pain. Tyson’s minutes have fluctuated since the arrivals of James Harden, Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder, but he emphasized that he stays prepared for any role.
Toppin Back After Four-Month Layoff
Obi Toppin logged his first game action for the Pacers after missing more than 50 matchups with an unspecified issue. The 6-foot-8 forward, eager to avoid heading into the off-season without game reps, had even practiced shots while using a scooter during rehab. He is averaging 9.1 points and 4.2 rebounds over 16.7 minutes this year.
Atkinson Relishes Two-Star Setup
Atkinson noted the value of pairing Mitchell with newly acquired James Harden, saying the extra star power helped the Cavaliers avoid a blowout in Saturday’s road-trip finale against New Orleans. “It’s nice to have two superstars,” Atkinson said. “With a younger or less experienced team, that’s a game you might lose by 25 or 30.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
