Kyrie Irving Injury: Updates on Cavaliers Star's Knee Surgery and Recovery
Kyrie Irving underwent surgery on June 6 for a fractured kneecap suffered in Game 1 of the 2015 NBA Finals that will sideline him for three to four months.
Continue for updates.
Irving Speaks on Injury
Wednesday, June 10
"I felt good. It was a freak play. It wasn't the minutes like everyone was speculating. ... I don't have any regrets," Irving said, according to Ben Golliver of Sports Illustrated. The NBA provided more from the point guard:
"Kyrie Irving (broken kneecap) has started rehab & is wearing a soft full leg cast, a source said. Irving has no cartilage or ligament damage," reported Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports on June 9.
The Cleveland Cavaliers released a statement on Irving's surgery on June 6:
"Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving had successful surgery this morning in Cleveland at the Cleveland Clinic to repair his fractured left knee cap. The surgery was performed by Cavaliers head team physician Dr. Richard Parker and Dr. Damien Billow. Dr. James Rosneck assisted. Irving's return to basketball activity is projected to be in three to four months and appropriate updates will be issued as he moves through the recovery process.
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"(Kyrie being out) is obviously a tough pill to swallow. It sucks for him. It’s a huge blow for our team," LeBron James said, according to CBS Sports NBA. "With Kyrie being out, people are writing us off. That’s fine. I’m motivated to get our guys ready to go tomorrow," James continued.
In Game 1 on June 4, Irving fell to the floor with two minutes, 23 seconds to play in overtime while losing his dribble and appearing to injure his leg, taking himself out of the game and noticeably limping.
Cavaliers head coach David Blatt said he believes Irving's fracture occurred after being kneed by Warriors guard Klay Thompson, according to Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group. Bleacher Report's Ethan Skolnick said the Cavs believe a combination of torque and contact with Thompson caused the fracture.
Irving left the locker room on crutches:
Prior to leaving, Irving was instrumental in the Cavaliers offense with 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks.
The Cavs won't be in an unfamiliar position. While dealing with left knee tendinitis and a right foot strain, he was absent for the second half of Game 6 in the conference semifinals against the Chicago Bulls and didn't play a minute in Games 2 or 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks.
