Kyrie Irving has been visibly hobbled this postseason after the Cavs began their second-round matchup with the Chicago Bulls. After scoring 51 points on 15-32 shooting and nine assists in Games 1 and 2, Irving has scored just 23 points on 5-23 shooting with just two assists in Games 3 and 4.
Cleveland was able to squeak out the Game Four victory Sunday afternoon thanks to some incredible late-game heroics of Irving’s teammate, LeBron James. Once the Cavs evened the series at two games apiece, Chris Haynes of NEOMG asked Irving amongst other members of the media to address if there’s anything wrong with his left leg, a leg he seemed to heavily favor. After he paused briefly, Irving responding “Nah. Nah, there’s nothing wrong.”
As soon as the media crew scattered, Irving said, “Chris, you’re very observant.”
Despite dealing with a sore right foot for most of the last three weeks, Irving left the arena last night walking gingerly, limping, and heavily favoring his left leg. The Cavaliers simply called it a “sore left leg” on Sunday. On Monday afternoon, the Cavs got news they didn’t want to hear.
An MRI Monday revealed that Kyrie Irving has tendinitis in his left knee.
Kyrie Irving says he's never had injuries to both legs at same time. Wants to find way to "take pressure off Bron" even w/o his acceleration
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) May 11, 2015
This would explain Irving’s struggles offensively and why he’s being shaded on the Bulls’ worst offensive player on the floor.
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Ethan Skolnick reports on the Irving injury:
Kyrie Irving says he's never had injuries to both legs at same time. Wants to find way to "take pressure off Bron" even w/o his acceleration
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) May 11, 2015
Kyrie Irving says he can't look himself in mirror if he sits. "I know I can still be effective."
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) May 11, 2015
Kyrie Irving says he was going to sit now, he should have sat 3 or 4 games ago. Thinks he hurt knee compensating for foot.
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) May 11, 2015
Kyrie Irving says that he was trying to hide information to not give opponent an edge, but is thankful now that Blatt explained his play.
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) May 11, 2015
With Irving not expected to miss playing time, it seems his struggles will continue and his recovery will be delayed. Perhaps the energy of the home crowd can drive him to a better performance. Game 5 is Tuesday night back at the Q.