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CAVALIERS
Kyrie Irving

Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving announces return to lineup

Jeff Zillgitt
USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2)  in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving will make his season debut Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers and play in his first game since injuring his left knee in Game 1 of last season’s NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.

In a short and simple Tweet, Irving wrote, “I’m back” and then told reporters he was “pretty excited” to play in his first game this season.

“There is no specific reason on why now,” Irving said. “I just wanted to take the doctor’s precaution as well our team’s precaution. Obviously as a competitor, you want to get out there. I let go of all my selfish emotions and put them aside and did what’s best for my body and did what’s best for the team. I finally got the full clearance from my doctors and our training staff, and that’s all I needed.”

The Cavaliers are 17-7, in first place in the Eastern Conference, have won four consecutive games and coming off a nice victory without Irving, Iman Shumpert and Mo Williams against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday.

But it’s not been easy for the Cavs with all their injuries, and LeBron James has not been satisfied with the team’s play at times.

All things Cavaliers: Latest Cleveland Cavaliers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Now, Cleveland is closer to having its full roster available, and Irving’s return will give the Cavaliers a dynamic boost. He’s a scoring point guard who can create for himself and teammates, and he has improved as a defender.

Irving averaged 21.7 points, 5.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds and shot a career-best 41.5% on three-pointers last season. He said he will be on a minutes restriction as he works his way back into game shape.

By accounts from those who have watched Irving practice, he has been outstanding, and teammates, especially James, are looking forward to Irving’s return so the Cavaliers can focus on playing championship basketball.

“It’ll be a different experience,” Irving said. “The amount of practice, the amount of time I’ve put in, a lot of work, it’s finally coming to fruition, and I’m just glad that it can happen now.”

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