Kyrie Irving 100 percent for next FIBA game
U.S.A. basketball team point guard Kyrie Irving is 100 percent after he fell hard on his back in the final two minutes of the American’s win over Ukraine on Thursday according to coach Mike Krzyzewski.
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“He went through the whole workout,” Krzyzewski told reporters after completing an afternoon practice at the Palau Sant Jordi. “He was a little bit sore to begin with, but he worked his soreness out. He’s ready to go.”
Irving walked off the court at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre holding his tailbone after slipping on a slick spot on a hard drive to the basket and coming down with full force with 1:12 to play against Ukraine.
Irving has started at point guard in all five of Team USA’s games in the tournament, with Rose averaging 17.6 minutes per game as Irving’s backup.
Rose was the next subject when it came to health questions and Krzyzewski wasn’t having any of it.
“I think at some time everyone should stop asking about him physically and just say, ‘How’s your game? You think you’re gonna win? How ’bout that pass?’ Krzyzewski said.
Rose has only shot 25 percent, but has played well on defense.
Irving had 11 points and six assists against the Ukrainians Thursday and has averaged 9.8 points per game in the FIBA World Cup so far.
The United States will take on Mexico for the first time since 1967 on Saturday in Spain for the round of 16.