Kyrie Irving was playing like a consistent All-Star this season with averages of 21.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 steals on 47% shooting. All of those but the assists are up from last year’s averages. Unfortunately, the oft-injured point guard seems to have hit another roadblock after suffering an apparent shoulder injury Thursday night in a victory against the Golden State Warriors.
Irving scored 24 points on 6-17 shooting, but headed to the Cavaliers’ locker room late in the third quarter after he was seen clutching his shoulder. He would return to the game in the fourth quarter helping the Cavs put the Warriors away. Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group reported on Irving:
#Cavs G Kyrie Irving says his left shoulder is a little sore and he'll see how it feels in the morning.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 27, 2015
NBA writer Ethan Skolnick, however, reported on Irving’s status for tomorrow’s game:
Kyrie Irving (shoulder) will not travel to Indiana tonight, and is doubtful for tomorrow's game. Having an MRI in morning.
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) February 27, 2015
Irving has dealt with numerous injuries this season to his knee and back, but he would only miss a game or two for rest and always came back looking good. It would definitely be a big blow for the Cavaliers to lose Irving for a number of games. As they stand, Cleveland’s only healthy point guard on the team is Matthew Dellavedova. Provided, LeBron James and J.R. Smith can definitely take over ball-handling duties, but losing Irving will definitely be a blow for the Cavs.
If Irving is forced to miss time some regular season, the Cavaliers would be wise to sit and rest him until April, allowing him a few games to get back into a rhythm before the start of the much-anticipated playoff run.