Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes to the basket as Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) - Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell did not play Thursday night against the Atlanta Hawks because of a sprained right ankle.
Mitchell injured the ankle in closing seconds of the first half Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings. He returned in the second half and finished with a season-high 36 points in a 119-113 victory.
Mitchell insisted the injury wasn't serious or related to a severe ankle sprain last season that caused him to miss the final 16 games of the regular season and the playoff opener.
But the Jazz were taking no chances, deciding to sit Mitchell in Atlanta as they started a three-game road trip.
'œWe're conservative and diligent about those types of things,'ť coach Quin Snyder said. 'œI think Donovan is in a good place mentally, and we will make sure that he's in a good place physically and he'll be back.'ť
Joe Ingles started in place of Mitchell at guard.
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Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) runs up court after making a 3-pointer against the Sacramento Kings in the first half during an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) guards Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) in the first half during an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots as Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield (24) defends in the first half during an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell looks up in the first half during an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press