Today was only the thirteenth time this season that Donovan Mitchell scored to register 20 points in a game. The Cleveland Cavaliers talisman struggled against a shorthanded Milwaukee Bucks. Mitchell only made four field goals. However, the reason behind his shaky shooting didn’t need any explanation when the cameras showed all the damage.

During one of the timeouts, a frame caught Mitchell’s apparent eye injury. His left eye looks completely bloodshot. Looking at the state of it, there’s a high chance it impaired his vision or caused some discomfort while playing against the Bucks. Donovan Mitchell couldn’t go out and score as freely as he usually would.

Spida shot just 28.6% from the field. 10 of his 19 points for the game came from the free throw line. The seven-time All-Star didn’t appear on the Cavaliers’ injury report prior to facing Milwaukee. There is little confirmation of the exact details of his eye ailment. An update making the rounds is that Mitchell suffered the knock from teammate Evan Mobley.

There will probably be more information about the injury going forward. Kenny Atkinson felt Donovan Mitchell was just “off” tonight. That’s where he needed his teammates, and they stepped up.

Evan Mobley and James Harden helped the Cavaliers bounce back from losing against the Dallas Mavericks. The tandem combined for 54 points. Mobley also performed his defensive duties to perfection, blocking three shots on the night. Head coach Kenny Atkinson raved about the duo in his press conference. He feels Harden’s entry has really helped Mobley be an imposing figure on the offensive end.

The Cavs head coach was also pleased with the team’s effort in closing the game out to secure a narrow win.

Kenny Atkinson left to make hard decisions as Cavaliers get healthy

The Cleveland Cavaliers are still without Jarett Allen. However, the team has surely gotten healthier over their past few games. Guard Max Strus returned after six months. Moreover, Sam Merrill was also able to have a dynamic impact in his return after a two-game absence tonight.

Atkinson is pleased to have so many options. However, in the time remaining until the postseason, he’s in a process of evaluation. During the postseason, the Cavaliers head coach wants to maintain a lean rotation. And he implied players will have to “earn” their spot.

“I’m still, you know, evaluating who fits and who’s going to kind of um, take the lead in terms of getting in that rotation. I still think we haven’t made a clear decision on who those nine are. But it’s tough to play 10… You know, you can do it in the early games, but eventually get to nine or eight. So, we know that, but still think we have to evaluate, especially our wings, right? We have a lot of wings right now,” said the Cavaliers head coach.

Strus and Merrill were just the returning options. The Cavaliers already have a locked starter in Evan Mobley, and Jaylon Tyson is likely to play after a breakout campaign. Everything else is a puzzle. Keon Ellis and Nae’Qwan Tomlin provide defensive energy as opposed to Dean Wade, who is a more reliable shooting threat.

Matchups will also play a vital role. Depending on the opposition and the flow of the playoffs, Atkinson can switch personnel around. The Cavaliers are that deep. But there’s an urgency to get these decisions right. The Cavs haven’t reached a conference finals, despite having one of the most expensive rosters in the NBA.

The championship window for a group has drastically decreased in the modern era. The Cavs have a stunning roster with a variety of options. But do you think Kenny Atkinson can get it right this time? Let us know your views in the comments below.