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CLEVELAND (AP) — Kyrie Irving admitted missing two games with a strained left shoulder wasn't easy.
The Cavaliers' All-Star guard returned for the game against Boston on Tuesday night after not playing in losses to Indiana and Houston.
"It definitely hurt," Irving said of not being able to play. "There was an intensity in the air you could feel. It was hard to watch at home."
Irving injured his shoulder in the second half of last week's home win over Golden State. An MRI confirmed the strain and he did not travel on the team's two-game trip while getting treatment. Irving participated in the team's shoot-around Tuesday and coach David Blatt announced he would play about 90 minutes before the game.
"I'm good," Irving said. "I'm happy to be back out there with my teammates."
Irving is averaging 21.7 points and 5.2 assists. The Cavs are 1-4 in the five games Irving has missed this season.
Cavs forward Kevin Love also played despite missing the morning workout because he was ill.
Cleveland has dropped two straight after winning 18 of 20. The Cavs are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, but have upcoming road games at Toronto, Atlanta, Dallas and San Antonio in the next week.
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