Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving insisted he has "no regrets" after discovering he fractured his kneecap in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Irving limped off in overtime of the Cavs' 108-100 loss to the Warriors at the Oracle Arena on Thursday and was visibly concerned when interviewed in Cleveland's dressing room post-game.
The Cavaliers confirmed on Friday that the 23-year-old would require season-ending surgery, and Irving took to Instagram to share his thoughts and send a cryptic message to replacement point guard Matthew Dellavedova.
"I want to thank everyone for the well wishes. Saddened by the way I had to go out but it doesn't take away from being apart [sic] of a special playoff run with my brothers," Irving wrote.
"Truly means a lot for all the support and love. I Gave it everything I had and have no regrets. I love this game no matter what and I'll be back soon.
"To my brothers: You already know what the deal is. And to Delly: "ICE it down del" *Big Perk voice*."
Game 2 of the series is on Sunday with Golden State set to host again.
Irving missed two games in Cleveland's 4-0 sweep of the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference finals with knee tendinitis - reportedly unrelated to the injury he sustained against the Warriors.