Everything that could go wrong did go wrong for the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the 2025 NBA playoffs round 2. And fans are feeling the frustration big time. In a brutal night that saw the Cavs get steamrolled by the Indiana Pacers, they also lost their biggest weapon, Donovan Mitchell, to a concerning ankle injury.
With the team now trailing 3-1 in the series, questions are flying fast about the Cavs’ playoff hopes, Mitchell’s health, and whether this season’s dreams just came to a crashing halt.
Donovan Mitchell’s Exit Sparks Panic and Frustration
The Cavaliers’ Sunday night collapse was bad enough on the scoreboard, but losing Mitchell might be the real gut punch. After lighting up the series with an average of 41.3 points per game in the last three games, Mitchell was forced to leave just before halftime due to a left ankle injury. He didn’t return, not to the game, not even to the bench.
The Cavaliers confirmed that Mitchell was out with a left ankle injury. Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson added postgame that Mitchell will undergo an MRI. While there’s still no official update on his status for Game 5, fans aren’t feeling optimistic.
One fan hit the nail on the head with a simple, frustrated post: “Why can’t he stay healthy?”
Why cant he stay healthy?
— JLow ❌❌ (@JumpmanJLow)
It’s a sentiment many share, especially considering Mitchell’s history of injuries during critical moments.
Before exiting, Mitchell had managed just 12 points and one rebound in 20 minutes — a far cry from his explosive performances earlier in the series.
Some fans weren’t convinced the injury was serious.
“Mitchell really saw that the Cavs are about to go down with a 3-1 series deficit and decided he’s out 😭😂” joked one user, hinting at the bad timing of the exit.
Another fan went further, raising eyebrows with speculation: “I thought they were just playing it safe cause they couldn’t come back. Sounds like a faked injury.”
I thought they were just playing it safe cause they couldn’t come back. Sounds like a faked injury
— •RvW (@ravenwizardd)
But for those still clinging to hope, Mitchell’s health is everything. “Series is over if Spida is not back for the next game,” warned one fan. With the Cavs down 3-1, a comeback feels nearly impossible without him.
Series is over if Spida is not back for the next game.
— ₿tc Wes🍊 (@ReghostroWes)
A few fans also chimed in with their take on the injury itself. “It looks like a potential lateral ankle sprain the way he tweaked it. Hopefully, Donovan didn’t suffer any major ligament damage 🙏🏿,” one fan wrote.
It looks like a potential lateral ankle sprain the way he tweaked it. Hopefully, Donovan didn't suffer any major ligament damage 🙏🏿. #LetEmKnow #NBAPlayoffs #NBA
— MillsRx (@GameMedicine)
But not everyone showed sympathy. “Weakest superstar in today’s sport,” criticized one fan, reflecting the harsh edge of fan expectations when it comes to NBA stars performing under pressure.
The Cavaliers were already outclassed in Game 4, trailing by a jaw-dropping 41 points at halftime, tying a franchise playoff record. The Pacers cruised to a 129-109 victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, looking every bit like the stronger, hungrier team.
Without their top scorer and leader, the Cavs face a must-win Game 5 back at home. Whether Mitchell will suit up or not remains the biggest question of the postseason, both for Cleveland and for fans everywhere.
