Irving returns to action in Game 4 vs. Hawks

The Cleveland Cavaliers have their point guard back for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks.

Kyrie Irving suited up and started Tuesday night. The team decided Irving would play after he went through pregame warmups. Irving has missed the last two games - both Cavaliers victories - due to tendinitis in his left knee. He has also been dealing with a strained right foot since Cleveland's first-round series against the Boston Celtics.

While one can question the Cavs for playing a banged-up Irving with a commanding 3-0 series lead, LeBron James has carried the team on his back and is exhausted. Earlier in the day, ESPN's David Thorpe opined that the Cavs should consider sitting James just to rest him.

James registered a triple-double in Sunday's Game 3 win with 37 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists.

According to SportVu data, James' 140 touches in Game 3 were the most for him all season and the most by any player this postseason. His usage rate in these playoffs is at a career high, and if Irving is anywhere close to being good to go, James could use the help.

Irving played 27 minutes in Cleveland's Game 1 win, scoring 10 points and dishing six assists. His injury issues were evident in the second round against the Chicago Bulls, when he shot just 42.5 percent in six games.

If the Cavs can wrap the series up at home Tuesday, they will have eight days off before the NBA Finals begin on June 4.