Kyrie Irving returned to the Nets lineup on Monday as they took on the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. The Nets lost 114-108 to a depleted Blazers team who were without Lillard and McCollum. Kyrie wasn’t particularly pleased with what happened to him in the fourth quarter. Nasir Little dove for a loose ball and took out Irving, hurting in the process.

Kyrie stayed down on the floor for a few minutes, and he was holding his ankle. Later, in the post-match press conference, he said, “Just one of those bad plays, you know. I tried to get out of the way, but I just thought that was just, it was unnecessary for him to dive that far away from the ball. I was just trying to get out of the way.”

Kyrie Irving said that he could have broken his ankle

He added,“I asked the ref, you know he’s got to protect players out there, just totally unnecessary, I get Nassir wants to go for the ball, but just a bad play, it’s all good. I could’ve broke my ankle or done something worse. There’s just no place in our game for it. I get the intent from Nassir… but it could’ve been avoided.”.

Kyrie didn’t look impressed with the play. But he did not call Nassir Little, saying that he knew that the forward was just trying to get the ball. Even though the injury looked painful, he confirmed that he would be part of the next game against the Chicago Bulls.

What’s next for Irving and the Nets?

The Nets take on the Bulls next as they look to get back to winning ways. This is the fifth loss for the Nets in seven games, as they have looked out of form since New Year. The Nets will need all the help from Kyrie, who looks to be in good shape since his return.

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