Kyrie Irving is not the same player. Watching him suffer, the convenient victim in Jeff Teague’s blow by, was all the evidence anyone needed: he is playing with significant injuries. Irving settled for a one dribble pull up or a catch and shoot three; the repertoire ended there. Buried was his versatility and in its place were the habits of a specialist, an above average player.
Playing with an injury is a race against time. What starts off as a glass is half full proposition descends pretty quickly; inspiration only goes so far. The possibility of a re-injury or creating a new set of torn whatevers by overcompensating is a very likely outcome that makes many wonder if it’s worth it.