Cavs' Irving denies he's looking to return Thursday vs. Thunder
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving is nearing his return, just in time for the Cavs' Christmas Day matchup with the Golden State Warriors. In fact, a report early Wednesday morning indicated Irving hoped to make his long-awaited season debut on Thursday against the Thunder.
Evidently, that came as news to Irving himself.
Irving took to Twitter to shoot down the report, and said that whenever he is ready to return, we'll hear the news from the player himself.
Irving has reportedly been practicing with the Cavaliers for the past week or so. He has missed the first 23 games of the season as he's worked his way back from the fractured kneecap injury he suffered in Game 1 of the NBA Finals last June, and the team remains extremely cautious in giving him the green light to return to the starting lineup.
Cavs coach David Blatt said Tuesday in Boston that the team will continue to "err on the side of caution" with Irving, who has progressed to full-contact practices.
After hosting the Thunder, the Cavs will play Philadelphia on Sunday.
Cavs guard Iman Shumpert, who recently returned from wrist surgery, left Tuesday's win in the second half with a groin injury. His status for Thursday is not yet known.
Shumpert was only playing in his second game since returning after injuring his wrist before training camp. Shumpert played through a groin injury during last season's playoffs and Finals.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
