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Cavs coach Byron Scott will consider sitting Kyrie Irving if guard's right knee is still sore
Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving (2) drives against Utah Jazz's Alec Burks (10) during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 6, 2013, in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 104-101. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
CLEVELAND - The Cavaliers won't risk losing Kyrie Irving for any more games.
On Thursday, Cleveland coach Byron Scott said he will consider shutting down his All-Star point guard, who recently missed three games with a hyperextended right knee and said after Wednesday's comeback win over Utah that the injury was still bothering him.
"If Ky is hurting, I have no problem sitting him down," Scott said.
Playing his second straight game after resting for a week, Irving scored 20 points with 10 rebounds and seven assists as the Cavs overcame a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter and beat the Jazz 104-101. Irving scored 11 points in the final 4:21, but after the game said his knee still wasn't 100 per cent.
"The only way I would get better is if I sit out for the rest of the season, and I'm not doing that," Irving said.
The comment surprised Scott, who said he will talk to Irving and trainer Max Benton before any decisions are made.
"If there is any way of doing more damage by continuing to play, then I'll find that out and we'll go from there," Scott said. "I want him (Irving) to go out there and play and be effective for us," Scott said. "I don't want him playing at 100 per cent."
Irving played almost 38 minutes against the Jazz and didn't seem to be slowed by the right knee, which he banged against teammate Omri Casspi's knee in a practice two weeks ago. The Cavs rested their 20-year-old star for three games and he returned Monday night when Cleveland s hosted the New York Knicks.
Irving did not speak with reporters following a light practice. With games almost every other day, Scott is using the off days to have his players work on their shooting and lift weights.
The Cavs host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
Irving, the NBA's Rookie of the Year in 2012, has missed 14 games this season with injuries. He sat out 11 games with a broken index finger and the Cavs kept him out of the other three to allow his knee time to heal.
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