Playing with face fracture, Kyrie Irving leaves Nets-Lakers early
Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving reacts as he watches the action against the Sesi/Franca Basketball Club from the bench during the first half of a exhibition NBA basketball game, Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
SHANGHAI — Brooklyn guard Kyrie Irving left the team’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers about one minute after tip-off after taking a hit to the face.
Irving was attempting to play through a facial fracture, an injury that occurred in a pickup game last month. He was wearing a clear mask in an effort to protect his face, but appeared to bump into Lakers guard Rajon Rondo while playing defense just 1:06 into the contest.
Irving’s face made contact with Rondo’s upper arm. The Nets guard immediately winced in pain, took the mask off and motioned to the bench that he needed a substitute.
The Nets said Irving would not return to the game.
Get the hottest sports news straight into your inbox
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
