The Brooklyn Nets had a rather unusual set of circumstances for their game in Portland versus the Trailblazers. They played in overtime on Sunday at home where they defeated the San Antonio Spurs 121-119. But then they had to hop a six-hour cross country flight for a back-t0-back in Oregon.

Not everyone was able to play. James Harden was out, dealing with a hyperextended knee. But coach Steve Nash indicated he believes Harden not playing was an “overly cautious” measure and expects his star guard out there for Wednesday's contest in Chicago versus the first place Bulls. Well just when we think we're getting a big three game, something else threatens that.

Kyrie Irving may have tweaked an ankle in Portland. And isn't very happy about the play from Nassir Little.

Shorthanded has been the magic word this season, but Kyrie Irving would inevitably inject some life into a game that might otherwise have been a “scheduled loss” for Brooklyn. Teams coming off overtime wins playing in back-t0-backs probably don't fare well on average. Add in the long flight, and it's extra tough. But this was a road game and those figure to work in the Nets' favor when they finally get their big three out there.

Irving finished with 22 points, eight boards and four dimes on 9 of 21 from the floor. But he looked like he was almost hurt on one play. Kyrie hopped up to avoid a diving Nassir Little chasing a loose ball, and turned his left ankle. Irving briefly exit the game, and then returned. He was next seen having a lengthy chat with referee Tony Brothers.

“Just one of those bad plays, you know?” said a frustrated Irving after the 114-108 loss.

“I tried to get out of the way but I just felt like that just- it was unnecessary, like for him to dive that far away to the ball, I was just trying to get out the way but just an unnecessary play. I asked the refs you just gotta protect our players out there it’s totally unnecessary. I get Nassir [Little] wants to go for the ball but just like bro, it's just a bad play. Like that's just not a good play for basketball, I coulda broke my ankle or done something worse there's just no place in our game for it,” said Irving. “Obviously, I get the intent from Nassir. It's nothing against him, it's just it could have been avoided.”

It doesn't sound like Irving is flat out accusing Little of making a dirty play. He knows there was no intent to hurt anyone. But he does sound like he thinks it was a bit reckless and not worth the major injury risk for a long-shot hustle play.

Irving would add that he's alright and expects to suit up for the next game in Chicago.

“Kyrie rolling his ankle, that doesn't help you add it up and it's just a really tough ask,” said coach Steve Nash. What did coach think about the ankle, is Irving OK?

“We'll see, you know, he's alright, he finished the game but it was a pretty good little turn of the ankle,” added Nets head coach Steve Nash.

You can view the play yourself and form your own conclusions. It's possible that the play would have got more of a pass from Irving if this was a critical moment of a playoff game. Might Irving be more understanding in that type of scenario? It seems he has avoided a scare that could have been worse.