Cavs' Irving re-aggravated knee injury in Game 6, Blatt says 'he'll be OK'

The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to be plagued by injuries.

Point guard Kyrie Irving re-aggravated his left knee injury in the second quarter of Game 6 against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. He stepped on teammate Tristan Thompson's foot and had to be helped to the locker room.

Irving was originally listed as probable to return, but his backup Matthew Dellavedova - who had himself a game - started in his place for the second half. Irving was downgraded to doubtful for the rest of the game, and as Cleveland put away Chicago without much of a fight from the home side, Irving watched the rest of Game 6 from the bench.

Cavaliers head coach David Blatt said after Thursday's game that Irving was "sore," adding, "he'll be OK."

Irving came into Thursday dealing with a sprained right foot and tendinitis in his left knee. He told reporters prior to Thursday's game that he had never prepared more for a game than he did for Game 6.

With Kevin Love out for the playoffs, the Cavaliers can ill afford to weather another major injury. Although Irving has been hobbled, he's still managed to average 19.8 points and 3.2 assists per game through Games 1-5.

Irving finished Game 6 with six points on 2-of-2 shooting, as he hit his only 3-point attempt and went 1-for-2 from the free-throw line. He added a rebound a block in his 12 minutes on the floor.