Irving to play through knee and foot injuries in Game 5; says he's at '30 or 40 percent'
After a stellar postseason debut and an impressive follow-up, Kyrie Irving hasn't quite looked himself.
The Cavaliers' All-Star point guard has averaged a disappointing 18.5 points and 3.3 assists on an Effective Field Goal Percentage of 41.8 over the last six games, and totaled just 23 points on 5-of-23 shooting combined in Games 3 and 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinal in Chicago.
Injuries to both legs are hampering Irving's production; in addition to dealing with a right foot sprain, he also has tendinitis in his left knee, an MRI confirmed on Monday. There was a sense prior to the diagnosis that the left leg injury may have come from overcompensation due to the right foot issue.
Given Irving's poor shooting and lack of quickness while hobbled, it's tempting to wonder whether he's a benefit or a hindrance. But with the Cavs locked in a 2-2 series with the rival Bulls and having already lost Kevin Love for the playoffs, Irving doesn't seem to be considering sitting any games out.
David Blatt says there has been no discussion on sitting Kyrie Irving for healing purposes. He's going to play through.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 11, 2015
What Irving revealed Monday, however, may be quite disturbing to Cavaliers fans.
"I should've been sitting out four games ago," he said. "But I can't do it ... even if I'm at 30 or 40 percent."
Given LeBron James' struggles despite his heroics, this is not good at all for Cleveland. There is no reason to expect them to win with one third of their star trio out, and another playing at below 50 percent; injuries do not improve through playing on them. James himself is also dealing with ankle pain, something he is reportedly getting round-the-clock treatment on.
The Cavs return home to host the Bulls in Game 5 on Tuesday.