INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving expressed empathy toward stars Stephen Curry and Chris Paul, who have sustained injuries in this year's NBA playoffs.
After breaking a kneecap in last year's finals, Irving knows how difficult it is to get hurt at the most critical time in the season. Curry will miss at least two weeks with a sprained knee, damaging Golden State's title hopes and Paul is out for the Los Angeles Clippers with a broken hand. Paul's injury is a devastating double shot for the Clippers, who also lost Blake Griffin with a leg injury.
Irving and the Cavs are relatively healthy following a first-round sweep of Detroit. They practiced Wednesday while awaiting a second-round opponent. Cleveland will face the Atlanta-Boston series starting Monday.
Irving said it's critical for the Cavs to stay rested and make the most of the time off.
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