Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell Decries ‘Dirty’ Play That Led to Double Ejection vs. Spurs

Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell and San Antonio Spurs big man Zach Collins were ejected after an altercation in the final minute of the Cavs’ 117–101 win in San Antonio on Saturday night. After the game, Mitchell explained that he felt Collins committed a “dirty” play and he simply retaliated. 

“He hit me in the face,” Mitchell said, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. “I feel like it was dirty, so I pushed him back. Knew I was going to be ejected. But if you hit me, I will hit you back. That’s that.”

With just 55 seconds left in the game, Mitchell hit the floor hard after taking an elbow to the face from Collins, who was setting a screen. Immediately after hitting the hardwood, Mitchell shot up and pushed Collins in the face. The Cleveland star proceeded to back up and smile before both players were ejected.

Donovan Mitchell EJECTED after altercation with Zach Collins ???? pic.twitter.com/xLHOdC25Us

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Mitchell was ejected for escalating the incident and Collins was assessed a flagrant 2 foul for the illegal screen. Mitchell’s night ended with 31 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in Cleveland’s eventual win. Collins finished with 10 points and nine boards.