Donovan Mitchell has no other choice but to remain optimistic regarding his ankle injury. With the Utah Jazz dropping their third straight game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Mitchell simply has to play through the pain.

He himself acknowledged it after their 119-111 defeat in Game 5 on Wednesday. But Mitchell also couldn't help but get his frustration off his chest. Or off his ankle (via ESPN's Tim MacMahon).

“It's something I'm going to have to deal with (the rest of the playoffs). It f***ing sucks. (But) you've got to find a way to make it happen. It's tough, but I've got to find a way. Otherwise, I'm going to be home.”

The 24-year-old Mitchell knows it. If he can't recalibrate his game, the Jazz are most probably doomed, even though the Clippers lost Kawhi Leonard to a rumored ACL injury. The Clippers are deep enough to win their best-of-seven series, especially with Game 6 being played at Staples Center.

Mitchell actually hasn't played terribly against the Clippers. But some instances have shown that he's not as explosive as before. He's also gotten burned on defense several times, failing to keep up with guys like Reggie Jackson and Terance Mann.

Mitchell fired blanks in Game 5, shooting only 6-of-19 from the field, including 4-of-14 from beyond the arc. He still managed to finish with 21 points, but his lack of efficiency also hurt the Jazz.

It's no secret that Donovan Mitchell is as competitive as they come. So with or without pain, expect him to come out guns firing in their do-or-die Game 6.