Former San Antonio Spurs forward Mike Mitchell has passed away after his two-year battle with cancer:
Mike Mitchell, a 1980s-era Spurs forward known for his inspired play against the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs, died Thursday morning after a two-year battle with cancer.
The San Antonio resident was 55.
Mitchell spent 10 seasons in the NBA, averaging 19.8 points and 5.6 rebounds.
With the Spurs, he averaged 20.1 in seven seasons. His 9,799 points rank sixth in franchise history.
The 6-foot-7, 215-pound forward teamed with All-Star guard George Gervin and later with All-Star centerArtis Gilmore to help the franchise win back-to-back Midwest Division titles.
Mitchell started in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers and was a one-time All-Star, in 1981. He was in the top ten in scoring four times and top ten in minutes played three times. He led the Spurs in scoring for the 1985 season which was the only season George Gervin played on the Spurs and did not lead the team in scoring. Mitchell averaged 22.2 points per game to Gervin’s 21.2 points per game.
Our thoughts are with Mitchell’s family and he will be missed.
For those who have never seen him in action, check out this video of Mitchell and the Spurs taking on the Lakers in the classic Game 6 of the 1983 NBA Western Conference Finals.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o91zzdLFAY&w=345&h=264]
