Celtics’ Irving exits with knee ailment

Kyrie Irving was ruled out for the second half of the Celtics' game against the Pacers on Sunday in Boston because of left knee soreness.

Irving had seven points on 3-of-6 shooting and four rebounds in 16 first-half minutes, but he did not join the team on the court when the second half began. He was ruled out shortly afterward.

The knee has been problematic of Irving throughout the season, and the veteran guard most recently missed a March 5 win in Chicago because of it.

Irving is the Celtics' leading scorer, and his average of 24.7 point per game ranks 11th in the NBA.

Boston led 50-40 at halftime but fell behind 74-70 after three quarters in Irving's absence. — Field Level Media/Reuters