Kevin Love missed Game 3 because he couldn’t pass the NBA’s concussion protocol in time for the game. He was, however, reportedly very close to a return and even pushed the Cavs to let him return.
ESPN sources say Love has been lobbying hard for clearance to play Game 3 but has been told Friday's Game 4 is the soonest he'll be cleared
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 8, 2016
RELATED: VIDEO: Coach Tyronn Lue Refuses To Reveal If Kevin Love Will Start Or Come Off Bench
On Thursday, Love was feeling a lot better, and according to Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal, the Cavs are expecting Love to be ready to go for Game 4.
Kevin Love is expected to play Friday and it’s likely he will come off the bench in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, league sources told the Beacon Journal.
Love still has another medical examination he must pass on Friday before he is cleared from the league’s concussion protocol, but he took part in some on-court shooting drills Thursday and the team is privately confident he will be available to play.
RELATED: Charles Barkley, Andrew Bogut defend Kevin Love against concussion criticism
The Cavs have multiple reasons to try and bring Love off the bench, and Lue was asked about how he would go about talking to Love if they indeed agree to start Richard Jefferson.
“They might not like it at the time, but I’ve always learned in this business if you tell the truth, guys understand and they know what the truth is,” Lue said. “They might be mad for a second, but they can always get back to understanding and realize that’s the right thing. And if you tell the truth, guys can respect that.”
Love knows what it’s like to lose over and over again from his Minnesota days. He signed with the Cavs because he wanted to win, and he’ll likely do whatever it takes, including come off the bench to help his team.
Here’s Love warming up for today’s practice.
RELATED: Coach Tyronn Lue Has Perfect Response For Those Who Questioned His Lineup Change
Kevin Love warming up at @cavs practice pic.twitter.com/6bIJWsCAAz
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) June 9, 2016
