Cavaliers Center Andrew Bogut experienced a left leg injury during Monday's game against the Miami Heat.
According to the team, an initial x-ray and evaluation revealed Bogut fractured his left tibia. Just 58 seconds of playing time and Bogut was trying to close on Heat forward Okaro White when his shin crashed into White's left knee.
Bogut was taken from the game to the Cleveland Clinic for further imaging and evaluation. Recovery time for this type of injury, based off other players who have had the injury, is more likely months than weeks.
The game ended with a Cavs defeat of 106-98.
"It's very deflating," James said. "It's a tough moment. We all were excited about the acquisition, you know, bring him in here. Him getting some games under his belt before the playoffs, so hopefully, we can hope for the best with the MRI or whatever the case may be, but uh, it's a tough one. Not only obviously for him, first of all, but then for our ballclub."
The Cavs have certainly faced adversity this season and in seasons past. This year, it's Bogut's injury that threatens the ability to have back-to-back titles.
"With this group, we still have a lot more to learn about one another, about the energy that we have to play at every single night," Irving said. "We'll do it. That's the great part about having other great pieces that are ready to step in."
The team expressed frustrations in the locker room, particularly James.
"He didn't even get a minute," James said. "He didn't even get a minute."
