INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Kyrie Irving was understandably sore on Wednesday, a day after battling through injuries to both legs to score 25 points in Cleveland’s Game 5 win over Chicago.
The All-Star guard pushed through some pain to help the Cavs move within one win of closing out the Bulls. Coach David Blatt said Wednesday he could tell Irving was slowed by a sprained right foot and sore left knee, but he found a way to get open and make shots.
Blatt says it’s encouraging Irving had more lift on his jumper, and he’s hoping another day’s rest will get the 23-year-old closer to being himself.
Irving said dealing with injuries during his first NBA playoffs "has been the biggest mental challenge of my career thus far."
The Cavs need Irving to beat that challenge. They lead the series 3-2 and will try to finish off the Bulls on Thursday night in Chicago.
