Kyrie Irving (knee) says he could have returned to Game 6 if score was closer

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving did not return to Thursday night's game against the Chicago Bulls after aggravating his left knee.

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving exited Thursday night's game against the Chicago Bulls after aggravating an injury in his left knee. He did not return. 

After the game, a 94-73 win that clinched the Eastern Conference semifinals for Cleveland, Irving said he could have returned had the game been closer.

Irving also said that he will be able to play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday, according to Cleveland.com. 

The injury occurred when Irving stepped on teammate Tristan Thompson's shoe. Irving fell to the court and struggled to get up but managed to limp off the court.

• WOO: Questions linger for Bulls after loss

Irving had been playing through tendinitis in his left knee and a right foot strain. Despite the injuries, Irving has averaged 19.8 points and 3.3 assists while shooting 43 percent from the field during the playoffs.

From Cleveland.com:

"I'm OK," Irving said after the game. "It's just kind of six days or seven days, a week of treatment and it all goes down in one play."

After beating Chicago on Thursday, Cleveland will face either the Atlanta Hawks or the Washington Wizards in the conference finals.

Kyrie Irving (knee) said If game had been close, there's "no doubt" he would have got back in the game. LeBron James told him they had it.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 15, 2015