The road to a third NBA championship has become more daunting for LeBron James.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have ruled point guard Kyrie Irving out for the remainder of the playoffs after an MRI on Friday revealed a fractured left knee cap. He underwent surgery on Saturday at the Cleveland Clinic and was given a three-to-four month recovery timetable, the same as the team's original estimate.
Irving injured his knee in overtime of Game 1 on Thursday when he fell awkwardly while handling the ball. He told reporters his ACL and MCL were fine but that he was "a little worried," with this injury having felt "different" than the tendinitis he had been playing through for most of the playoffs.
Despite leaving the arena on crutches and requiring them again on his way to an MRI on Friday, the injury was far worse than most expected. While the mood around the Cavaliers was dour, and head coach David Blatt seemed pessimistic about Irving's Game 2 status, few speculated anything so severe.
The fractured knee cap could create a rift between Irving's camp and the organization. Irving's father and agent had both reportedly preached caution in Irving's recovery, concerned about what could happen if he were to play on a weakened knee. Both team and player wanting Irving to gut it out makes sense given how rare NBA championship opportunities are, but hindsight could make the long-term trade-off look reckless.
The Cavaliers are left to search for answers ahead of Sunday's Game 2 against the Golden State Warriors. The Cavs dropped Game 1 despite executing their game plan well and Irving giving them 44 great minutes. Taking on the league's best team without two of their Big Three - Kevin Love is also out for the season - seems nearly impossible.
"We're not quite sure right now," James said. "If he's not able to go, it's something that's not new to us, so next man up."
The next man up would be Matthew Dellavedova, who Steph Curry rendered unplayable after a few minutes of Game 1 action. Without Irving, the Cavs' already limited rotation is down to seven players, unless a sparsely used reserve piece is going to be dusted off. His absence also further increases the heavy offensive burden on James, who set a career high with 38 field-goal attempts on Thursday.
Whoever steps up, they'll have substantial shoes to fill, and Irving's absence will loom as a series-defining one for Cleveland. Irving scored 23 points with seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals on Thursday, pushing his playoff averages to 19 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 steals with a 45-percent mark from outside.
While he's generally a defensive liability, he had a pair of nice, timely blocks on Curry, too.
Irving posted a message on Instagram shortly after Friday's announcement, thanking those who have supported him:
CAPTION: I want to thank everyone for the well wishes. Saddened by the way I had to go out but it doesn't take away from being apart of a special playoff run with my brothers. Truly means a lot for all the support and love. I Gave it everything I had and have no regrets. I love this game no matter what and I'll be back soon. To my brothers: You already know what the deal is. And to Delly: "ICE it down del" *Big Perk voice *
