Sacramento Kings rookie Davion Mitchell on Wednesday returned from the NBA’s health and safety protocol and put forth a strong offensive performance during a win over the Dallas Mavericks.
Mitchell, who was cleared to return on Wednesday, produced 14 points and one rebound during the 95-94 victory. He went 6-of-9 from the field, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range, as the Kings won on a last-second 3-pointer by Chimezie Metu at the buzzer.
The ninth pick was placed in the health and safety protocol on Dec. 18 and had missed six games prior to returning on Wednesday. Mitchell experienced some conditioning issues but, overall, felt fine during his first game back in the lineup.
Sometimes, when you take some time off, you get your legs under you. My legs felt good today, especially coming in in the first half. I did get a little bit winded but my legs kicked in and I was fine — I started knocking down shots. My teammates kept encouraging me to keep shooting the ball and that’s what I did.
The Kings recently had several individuals sidelined in the protocol. They were even without interim head coach Alvin Gentry for a period of time but look to be on the mend with most of their roster and staff back and cleared to play.
Vaccinated individuals in the protocol can now be cleared to return after six days in isolation. Mitchell spent close to two weeks in the protocol and called it a tough experience having to watch the Kings on TV.
It was tough, especially just sitting out 10 days and just watching my team on TV, it’s kinda hard especially when you’re on the team. For me, just to come in, the coaches told me to be aggressive and you’re going to find your rhythm if you just keep being aggressive and that’s what I did and we came out with the win.
After this buzzer beater to end the 1st half, Davion Mitchell (12 PTS) is a perfect 5-for-5 from the field on @NBATV! pic.twitter.com/yy1ROktu6R
— NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2021
The return of Mitchell proved to give the Kings a huge boost off of the bench as the Kings have now won two in a row. He made his first five shots in the first half and certainly looked to have no rust after missing nearly two weeks of action.
With Mitchell and nearly the rest of the roster back in action, the Kings will look to get back on track and build positive momentum heading into the new year.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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