The Cleveland Cavaliers managed to even their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers at one game apiece on Wednesday night with a 100-97 victory. While there were several great moments in the game, there was also one that left Cavs fans a bit worried, as Kevin Love injured his left hand late in the fourth quarter.
While playing defense, Love made a swipe at the ball. In doing so, the former UCLA standout jammed his left thumb. Love immediately winced in pain, then later made his way to the bench for an evaluation from Cavs athletic trainer Steve Spiro.
Love did not return to play after his evaluation, which left Cavs fans even more worried. However, the 6-foot-10 rebounding machine cleared the air during his postgame interview, stating that he is good to go for Game 3.
“It’s fine, yes,” Love said in response to a question about his hand. “I saw the replay, too. It didn’t look good. It hurt pretty bad initially. I told Ty afterward that I could’ve gone back in, but I think he liked the flow out there, and guys made big plays down the stretch.
“It’s not gonna feel great tomorrow, but throw some ice on it, tape it up and I’ll be ready to go,” Love continued. “X-Rays came back negative.”
Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue later confirmed that Love will indeed be ready for Game 3.
“Nah, he’s good,” coach Lue said of Love’s injury. “He’s just got a jammed thumb or whatever, but he’s fine. He’s great, ready to go for Game 3.”
Love played 34 minutes in Game 2, scoring 15 points on 5-of-16 shooting from the field (2-of-6 from beyond the arc) and eight rebounds.
Friday’s Game 3 matchup is scheduled to tip inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse at 7:00 p.m. EST with ESPN, FOX Sports Ohio, and FOX Sports Indiana having live broadcast coverage.
