The Cleveland Cavaliers might not need Kyrie Irving to beat the Atlanta Hawks and claim the Eastern Conference crown. Might they play the hobbled three-time All-Star anyway? We’ll find out soon enough.
Irving practiced with a new brace on his sore left knee this morning and is questionable to play in Game 3 of the Conference Finals on Sunday. Perhaps, more importantly, he’s undergoing altered treatment procedures after meeting with famed sports orthopedist Dr. James Andrews.
The Northeast Ohio Media Group’s Joe Vardon has issued the details on Irving’s status:
Kyrie Irving was on the practice court Saturday testing the new, small brace on his sore left knee and remains “questionable” to play in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, Cavaliers coach David Blatt said.
Irving did not play in the Cavaliers’ 94-82 win in Game 2 over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, which took place hours after he flew to Florida so Dr. James Andrews could examine the point guard’s ailing left knee.
Andrews confirmed the Cavs’ original diagnosis of tendinitis, but offered a “different interpretation” of how to treat the injury, team officials said. Irving, who’s been battling an injured right foot and left knee pain for most of the playoffs, is taking new medication, doing different exercises and wearing a brace.
Vardon also reports that Irving’s foot injury – which has troubled him since the early stages of his team’s first-round series against the Boston Celtics – has all but healed completely.
As Cleveland holds a commanding 2-0 lead on the Atlanta Hawks with Games 3 and 4 to be played at Quicken Loans Arena, many have suggested that they sit the 23 year-old for at least tomorrow’s contest regardless of his readiness. The Hawks’ poor play combined with health problems of their own lend even more credence to that idea, as does the Cavaliers’ stellar performance in a 94-82 victory last night.
Though Irving no doubt itches to get back on the floor, Cleveland should exercise absolute caution here. It will advance past Atlanta barring a wholesale turnaround of each club’s fortunes, and will need Irving near his best to have a chance in the NBA Finals – even should the Houston Rockets defy the odds again and come back to beat the Golden State Warriors. As dominant as LeBron James and the Cavaliers’ defense has been throughout the playoffs, the team will simply need more against a better opponent next round.
Look for Irving to sit out of Game 3 and do the same for the ensuing matchup depending on Sunday’s outcome. Cleveland’s biggest goal depends largely on his effectiveness, and compromising it by playing him with the team up 2-0 just isn’t worth the risk.
Either way, we’ll keep you updated on Irving’s availability as news becomes available. Game 3 is tomorrow at 8:30 EST on TNT.
