National Basketball Association

Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving will try to play through injuries

Published May. 21, 2015 11:14 a.m. ET

foxsports

For the second consecutive game, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving was hobbled by an aggravated left knee injury on Wednesday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals vs. the Atlanta Hawks.

For the second consecutive game, Irving stated that his desire is to continue to play through the discomfort, a pain that will not subside until the end of the Cavaliers’ run.

From Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor:

Irving seemed dejected as he fielded questions from reporters following the Game 1 win as his lingering injuries have him wondering how much he can contribute.

“This is obviously one of the most frustrating things I’ve ever dealt with,” he admitted. “We do days and days and go out there and it’s nothing like simulating a game so for me, I just have to continue to do what I’ve been doing and do whatever is necessary to put myself out there. I’m all about winning. That’s the only thing that matters.”

Irving admitted after the game he re-aggravated his left knee injury in the third quarter, but it was clear from the opening tip it was going to be a rough night. …

“Left knee is a little bit more stiff than I would want it to be, but like I said before in the past series, and I’m going to continue to say, no excuses,” he said. “Just have to continue to put myself out there and put myself in the best position for my teammates. Whenever they need me, I’m out there, called upon and I will do whatever it takes.”

Irving added that he’s additionally frustrated by being able to see holes in the opposing defense, but not having the physical ability to get his body to them before they close. Irving played 27 minutes (just nine in the second half), scoring 10 points and dishing out six assists, but sat much of the game’s late stages as Matthew Dellavedova was used as a defender and facilitator.

Irving maintains that he will be playing in Game 2, but one has to wonder what his role will be as all of his treatment and rest up to this point continues to be washed away by inadvertent contact throughout each contest.

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