Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (knee) misses Game 3 against Hawks
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving did not play in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Atlanta Hawks due to a knee injury. He remains questionable for Game 4. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 114–111 in overtime to take a 3-0 series lead and move one win away from making an NBA Finals appearance. LeBron James turned in a classic performance with 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 13 assists in Irving's absence.
Irving was diagnosed with left knee tendonitis by renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews on Friday and did not play in Game 2 of the series that day. He also has a strain in his right foot.
Irving participated in Saturday's shootaround and worked out on the floor at Quicken Loans Arena before Sunday's game.
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Head coach David Blatt told reporters Saturday that Irving would be a game-time decision.
"I mean if he's able to play, then he'll play," Blatt said, according to Cleveland.com. "He's a big part of the team and this series is not finished. But if he's not able to play then he won't. That's the determining factor."
Irving is averaging 18.9 points, 3.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 11 postseason games this season.
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- Dan Gartland
