Cavs News: Kyrie Irving Diagnosed with Tendinitis in Left Knee

The effects of playing on an ailing leg are catching up to Cleveland Cavaliers’ point guard Kyrie Irving, who was diagnosed with tendinitis in his left knee following an MRI on Monday morning.

After the Game 4 win over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, Irving was clearly limping as he left the United Center. In addition, he was putting as little pressure on his left leg as possible.

ESPN.com’s Dave McMenamin notes that the issue has likely developed because Irving has been overcompensating for the foot strain he suffered on April 21 in Game 2 of the first round playoff game against the Boston Celtics.

“It’s just my body talking to me. My mind just has to be stronger, and it is,” said Irving. “I’m just going to continue to will myself through these playoff games the best I can.”

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes that so-called “dynamic taping” has been getting wrapped around Irving’s leg, since the elasticity aids in supporting his body.

Even though the Cavaliers were able to get eight days of rest before the start of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Chicago Bulls, the layoff did next to nothing to lessen the pain that Irving continues to have with the foot.

That injury wasn’t revealed by the Cavs until Head Coach David Blatt informed the media after Irving’s struggles in Game 3 of the Bulls series. In that contest, Irving was held to just 11 points and had no assists.

Despite those struggles, Blatt was only concerned that Irving be able to get healthier, if possible. “We’re better with him at whatever percent you want to call him, then we would be without him, I know that.”

On Sunday, Irving’s numbers weren’t much better as he finished the two games in Chicago by hitting just five of his 23 field goal attempts. Despite the pain, Irving played 79 minutes in the two clashes, and has no intention of resting during the remaining games.

“I can’t do it. Mentally, I can’t do it. I can’t look myself in the mirror and sit on the bench or sit in the locker room while I watch my teammates go out there,” said Irving. “I’d rather give 30 percent, 40 percent, rather than give none at all.”

With the Bulls series now tied at two games apiece, the Cavaliers look to gain the upper hand for the first time in the series when the series resumes on Tuesday night at Quicken Loans Arena beginning at 7 p.m. ET.