Game 1 of the NBA Finals did a devastating number on Cleveland Cavaliers’ guard Kylie Irving last night, and he’s officially out for the rest of the championship. Irving suffered a fractured kneecap in overtime against the Golden State Warriors.
Reports ESPN:
An MRI on Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving’s ailing left knee revealed a fractured kneecap, and he will undergo season-ending surgery in the coming days, the team announced Friday.
Irving is projected to be out three to four months, the Cavaliers said. The surgery will be done at the Cleveland Clinic by head team physician Dr. Richard Parker.
Irving collapsed as he was driving to the basket with two minutes left in the Cavs’ 108-100 overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night, grabbing his troublesome left knee.
Initial tests done by the Cavs’ medical staff revealed no damage to the ACL or MCL, but an MRI on Friday revealed the fracture to Irving’s kneecap.
Irving did not speak to reporters Friday before having his left knee evaluated. Cavaliers coach David Blatt said he was informed that Irving was still on crutches when the star guard left the hotel Friday morning.
Despite tendonitis in his knee going into the game Irving scored 23 points. He admitted to being “a little bit worried” about the injury in his post-game interview. “I just want to take the necessary steps in order to see what’s going on.”
The Cavs player thanked fans for their “well wishes,” via Instagram today. “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.”
Click below to see Irving’s full post, and reaction tweets.
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Photo: screenshot
