NBA
NBA Finals: Kevin Love returns for Game 1 against Golden State
Oakland, CA – Kevin Love returns for Game 1 against Golden State after clearing concussion protocol. The Cleveland Cavaliers forward suffered a concussion in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics.
CBS Sports reporter Kyle Boone indicates that Love will not only return to play but will also be in the starting line up.
In a press conference on Wednesday, coach Tyronn Lue hinted and was hopeful to have Love cleared the concussion protocol. He even added he would insert him in the starting rotation. Despite all this, Jeff Green performed well in Love’s absence, averaging 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the Cavs.
Love suffered the concussion during the fifth minute of the game. He was taken out for the remainder of that game and has been sidelined since. However, there has always been a concerned for Love and injuries. He has a history of missing time in the Finals. Love missed one game in the 2016 Finals with a concussion. The 29-year-old also missed the entire 2015 Finals series with a separated shoulder.
The Cavaliers and Warriors meet for the fourth consecutive time in the NBA Finals. Love is averaging only 13.9 points per game in the playoffs after averaging 17.6 in the regular season. In two regular season matches against Golden State, Love averaged 24.0 points and 12.5 rebounds.
The NBA Finals will air on Thursday at 9 p.m. (EST) from Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA and will be transmitted on ABC.
