1. Ric Flair Rips Donovan Mitchell for Missing Cavs' Game 5 with Sore Calf

2.

WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has expressed his disappointment with Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell for missing Game 5 of their second-round NBA playoff series against the Boston Celtics due to a sore calf. Flair took to Twitter to voice his disapproval, questioning Mitchell's commitment to the team and the city of Cleveland.

Ric Flair has weighed in on the Cleveland Cavaliers' playoff struggles, specifically criticizing star guard Donovan Mitchell for missing Game 5 of their second-round series against the Boston Celtics due to a sore calf.

On Wednesday night, Flair took to Twitter to express his displeasure, stating, "Sore calf? Really?" He continued, questioning Mitchell's motivation given his substantial annual salary, saying, "You would think for 32 million dollars annual salary that you could have participated in the game tonight and represented Cleveland!"

Flair emphasized his own experience wrestling with injuries throughout his career, stating, "I've wrestled in rotator cuffs, after almost dying from surgeries & airplane crashes, and never missed a match." He added, "I could never imagine missing an opportunity to star in a playoff game for the NBA Championship."

Mitchell suffered the calf strain during Game 3, which forced him to miss Game 4. The Cavaliers lost both games, putting them down 3-1 in the series. Caris LeVert, who replaced Mitchell in the starting lineup in Game 4, was also ruled out of Game 5 due to a bone bruise in his left knee.

Flair's comments reflect the frustration of many Cavs fans who believe Mitchell should have played through the pain. Mitchell and the rest of the injured Cavs understood the stakes of Game 5, but they were not able to overcome their injuries.

The Celtics ultimately won Game 5, eliminating the Cavaliers from the playoffs. Flair's criticism highlights the importance of toughness and perseverance in sports, especially in high-stakes situations like the playoffs.

Despite Mitchell's injury, the Cavs have shown promise this season. They finished as the third seed in the Eastern Conference and pushed the Celtics to the limit in the second round. With Mitchell expected to return next season, the Cavs have a bright future.