The Brooklyn Nets were relying on the performances of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant to take down Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4 of their playoff series, so that can take a 3-1 lead.
The Nets have heavily relied on Irving after James Harden was ruled out due to hamstring troubles.
But, now, the Nets will have to play without two of their three stars in this game, as Irving had to be taken to the locker room after landing on Giannis’ foot when coming down after a shot attempt, according to FanSided, the fastest growing network of fandom-focused sports, entertainment and lifestyle sites on the Internet.
The ankle injury has forced Irving to be ruled out for the remainder of the game, which is a huge obstacle laid in the Nets’ path.
Michael Scotto, NBA writer and podcast host, tweeted, “Kyrie Irving appeared to roll his ankle while landing on the foot of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Irving limped to the locker room on his own.”
Now the Nets will have to try to win without Irving.
Any ankle injury is devastating for players like Irving and could potentially sideline Irving for weeks.
The Nets will likely use Bruce Brown, Landry Shamet, or Tyler Johnson to replace Irving. However, they still have Durant who may get them far in the postseason.
Giving an update on Irving’s injury, Steve Nash, the head coach of the Nets, confirmed that his X-Ray reports are normal but his injury needs further evaluation.
“Steve Nash says x-rays are negative on Kyrie Irving’s ankle, but they’ll continue to further evaluate and treat the injury,” tweeted YES Network.
Sports journalist Malika Andrews tweeted, “The X-Rays on Kyrie Irving’s ankle were negative, Steve Nash says. He will undergo further testing and treatment.” While talking about Harden’s return, Nash said, “I don’t want James to be rushed back. You know if he plays the next or the game after it’s fantastic, if he’s not we don’t want to rush and jeopardize, doing something worse or making this a long-term injury.”
