After reports confirming Kevin Love’s dislocated shoulder would rule out Cleveland’s starting Power Forward for the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Cavs’ GM David Griffin made some pessimistic, yet oddly inspirational comments at this morning’s press conference:
David Griffin says its "highly unlikely" that Kevin Love returns at any point during the playoffs.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 28, 2015
Source: Kevin Love's labrum tore away from the bone, and will need 4-6 weeks, minimum, to heal. If it doesn't, surgery a possibility.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) April 28, 2015
Without Love, the Cavs struggled to finish Game 4 of the first round in Boston. Completing the sweep wasn’t clean to say the least, and the Cavs noticed this in final the three and a half quarters without Love. Their offensive efficiency dropped by 25 points, field goal shooting took a 10 percent hit while three-point shooting suffered 15 percent. In addition, the Cavs lost the +27 point differential Love provided, and hobble out of TD Gardens with a +2 differential in Game 4. Adverse conditions to say the least, but the Land knows how to adapt:
David Griffin: "We've dealt with adversity all year long … We have a lot of grown-ass men in that locker room"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 28, 2015
To be clear, source adds: There's virtually zero chance Love plays again this postseason, even if Cavs make the Finals.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) April 28, 2015
LeBron James commented on the loss of Kevin Love, primarily telling fans that this doesn’t change anything:
“No excuses. We have guys who can step up.”
Don’t give up, Cavs Nation. We’re in it now, time to make a run. #AllinCLE
David Griffin ends his press remarks by saying the Cavs have gone from being the hunted to the hunters. They're embracing being underdogs.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 28, 2015