The fight for the NBA championship is a war of attrition, one that requires immense skill and, unfortunately for some, the occasional benefit of timing and luck.
That luck particularly pertains to injuries, which the Golden State Warriors can vouch for. They've remained largely healthy throughout their playoff run, and Marreese Speights (calf) and Klay Thompson (concussion) have both been cleared for the NBA Finals.
Related: NBA Finals Preview - 3 things you need to know about Warriors vs. Cavaliers
Their opponent, the Cleveland Cavaliers, have not been quite so lucky. Not only is Kevin Love out for the season and their rotation essentially down to eight, but point guard Kyrie Irving will be tasked with hobbling through the series as best he can.
Irving has been battling left knee tendinitis, and while he was able to play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the return from the team's nine-day siesta has been discouraging. Head coach David Blatt has said Irving still doesn't look himself, and Irving has admitted he won't be 100 percent "unless something miraculous happens."
Playing injured is something most players will learn to deal with at some point in their careers, although it's hardly easy. LeBron James has even said, Irving at less than 100 percent is still preferable to no Irving at all.
"It's an adjustment at this point," Irving said Wednesday. "I'm just going to will myself to play."
To try to get ready for Thursday's tip-off, Irving has been undergoing plenty of treatment and practicing on a somewhat limited basis. While he's remained adamant he'll play and the Cavaliers haven't issued a formal injury report, there's also been no official confirmation of his availability.
"Just taking the necessary days to get my body prepared to play Game 1," Irving said. "Being with our medical staff, and like I said, just trying to do whatever I can to be prepared for Game 1."
Even on a limited basis, Irving's presence is required if the Cavs are going to hang with the Warriors. They can't afford to shorten the rotation further, and while there's no good place to hide Irving on defense, where he struggles even when healthy, the added offensive threat he provides will help keep the Warriors from selling out completely to gum up James' game.
In his first career playoffs, Irving has averaged 18.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, shooting 43.6 percent from the floor and 48.1 percent on threes. The counting numbers are modest relative to his regular-season performance, but impressive given he's played the bulk of the playoffs banged-up.
