Kevin Love Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Kevin Love Won’t Be Suspended

June 1st, 2018 at 1:15pm CST by Arthur Hill

The NBA won’t suspend Kevin Love for leaving the bench area during an altercation at the end of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, tweets Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports.

A source tells Mannix that NBA officials determined that Love stepped onto the court to protest a foul call against Tristan Thompson and returned to the bench when physical confrontations began (Twitter link).

The incident was precipitated when Thompson took exception to a jumper by Shaun Livingston to beat the shot clock in the final seconds of Thursday’s overtime. Thompson tried to block the shot and elbowed Livingston in the chest. That led to an altercation that resulted in Thompson pushing the ball in Draymond Green‘s face after being ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul. Green was restrained by teammates before he could retaliate.

League officials are still reviewing Thompson’s actions and will announce later today if he will be suspended for Game 2, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin (Twitter link).

Suspensions May Result From Game 1 Fracas

June 1st, 2018 at 8:58am CST by Arthur Hill

A scuffle in the waning seconds of Thursday night’s contest may leave some key players suspended for Game 2, writes Chris Haynes of ESPN.

Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson is expected to receive some form of penalty for shoving the ball in Draymond Green‘s face after being tossed out of Game 1 for committing a Flagrant 2 foul. Kevin Love may also face a suspension for leaving the bench during the incident. Love, who was quickly pulled off the court by an assistant coach, said he doesn’t believe any disciplinary action is warranted.

“I was already on the court trying to get the refs’ attention before the scuffle,” he explained.

The altercation started when Golden State’s Shaun Livingston attempted a jumper with the shot clock expiring in the final seconds of overtime. Thompson hit Livingston in the chest with his elbow as he tried to block the shot and later expressed anger that the Warriors didn’t accept the clock violation.

“I contested a shot that shouldn’t have been taken,” Thompson said. “I mean, it’s like the unspoken rule in the NBA: If you’re up 10 or 11 with about 20 seconds left, you don’t take that shot. I make the contest, and next thing I know, I was being kicked out for making a contest that we learn in training camp. I don’t know why I got thrown out.”

Livingston and Klay Thompson stepped in to prevent Green from retaliating, which likely saved him from being suspended.

Livingston defended his decision after the game, claiming that taking the shot was the right play to make.

“I say that we don’t take the turnover. I don’t take the turnover,” he said. “Kevin [Durant] threw me the ball, and he threw it to me like we were still playing. J.R. [Smith] was still guarding him, you know. No disrespect. We just play the game. So, that’s what it was. … It’s the Finals. It’s all love. … It was like a YMCA pickup game in the last 30 seconds.”

Kevin Love Available To Play In Game 1

May 31st, 2018 at 1:16pm CST by Luke Adams

Kevin Love has completed the NBA’s Concussion Return to Play Program and will be available to play on Thursday night in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals, the Cavaliers announced today in a press release.

It’s big news for the Cavaliers, who had been without Love since he exited Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Boston and entered the NBA’s concussion protocol. During this year’s playoffs, the veteran power forward has been Cleveland’s second-leading scorer (13.9) and top rebounder (10.0 RPG).

It’s not clear how many minutes Love might play in Game 1, but I’d expect him to start alongside LeBron James and Tristan Thompson in the frontcourt. Head coach Tyronn Lue may get creative as he determines how best to match up with the defending-champion Warriors, but indicated on Wednesday that Love would start if he’s healthy.

While the Cavaliers will get Love back in their lineup, the Warriors will be without key forward Andre Iguodala for Game 1. Iguodala, who continues to battle a lateral left leg contusion, will be re-evaluated prior to Game 2.

Andre Iguodala Ruled Out For Game 1 Of Finals

May 30th, 2018 at 1:21pm CST by Luke Adams

Andre Iguodala will miss his fifth consecutive game this Thursday, according to the Warriors, who issued a press release today officially ruling out the veteran forward for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

The Warriors, who continue to call Iguodala’s injury a left lateral leg contusion/bone bruise, suggest that the 34-year-old is making progress, but is still experiencing pain and nerve inflammation. He’ll be re-evaluated prior to Game 2, according to the club.

League sources told ESPN’s Chris Haynes earlier this week that Iguodala recently received a second opinion on his troublesome left knee in an effort to address the issue. However, he has had no luck so far as he seeks a remedy for the injury. Head coach Steve Kerr had said prior to Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals that Iguodala’s body “has not responded at this point.”

Iguodala suffered the injury during Game 3 of the Western Finals when he bumped knees with James Harden.

While Iguodala’s absence may help open up the Cavaliers’ offense, considering the veteran is often tasked with guarding LeBron James, Cleveland has an injury of its own to worry about — Kevin Love remains in the NBA’s concussion protocol and his availability for Game 1 of the Finals is very much in doubt.

Latest On Andre Iguodala, Kevin Love

May 29th, 2018 at 11:19am CST by Luke Adams

The Warriors and Cavaliers are gearing up for a fourth straight NBA Finals matchup after having made it through their respective Conference Finals without key contributors. Andre Iguodala missed the last four games of the Western Conference Finals with a left knee injury, while Kevin Love sat out Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals as he remained in the concussion protocol.

Iguodala’s status for Game 1 on Thursday is still up in the air, according to Mark Medina of The San Jose Mercury News, who writes that the veteran swingman can walk – but not run – without pain. League sources tell ESPN’s Chris Haynes that Iguodala recently got a second opinion on his troublesome left knee in an effort to address the issue.

According to Haynes, Iguodala plans to search in the coming days for a remedy to the injury, which the Warriors are calling a left lateral leg contusion. Head coach Steve Kerr had said prior to Game 7 of the Western Finals that the 34-year-old’s body “has not responded at this point.”

Meanwhile, Love’s availability for Game 1 of the NBA Finals is also uncertain. Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue said on Tuesday morning that the team’s starting power forward remains in the concussion protocol, according to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. Love will need to be cleared of possible concussion symptoms before he’s permitted to suit up again for the club.

If Iguodala and Love remain on the shelf for Game 1, Kevon Looney and Jeff Green are the most likely candidates to take their spots in the starting lineups.

Cavs Notes: James, Love, Green

May 27th, 2018 at 1:44pm CST by marksuleymanov

The Cavaliers are set to face the Celtics in Boston tonight in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, setting the stage for the victor to advance to the NBA Finals. This is not unfamiliar territory for LeBron James, who has almost single-handedly willed the Cavaliers to this juncture, looking to advance to his eighth straight NBA Finals.

As both teams prepare for tipoff, this scenario is eerily similar to one James encountered eight years ago when the Cavaliers traveled to Boston for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Jimmy Golen of the Associated Press writes. James posted a triple-double in a losing effort and then weeks later, made the decision to leave Cleveland in free agency. A lot has been made of James’ upcoming free agency and whether or not he bolts this summer, but his teammates feel another trip to the NBA Finals is possible.

“There’s something different about LeBron, period,” Larry Nance Jr. said. “I think (coach Tyronn Lue) said it best: ‘We’re going into a Game 7 with the baddest dude on the planet on our team.’ I like our chances.”

Check out more Cavaliers notes below:

James’ return to Cleveland ahead of the 2014/15 NBA season has been nothing short of success. He helped guide the organization to its first NBA title in 2016 and with a win tonight, the Cavaliers will have made the NBA Finals in every season since his comeback. Jerry Bembry of The Undefeated breaks down the implications of James’ potential departure from Cleveland and his legacy, regardless of tonight’s outcome.
Kevin Love, who is currently in the NBA’s concussion protocol, will not play in today’s decisive Game 7. However, that does not necessarily give an advantage to the Celtics, A. Sherrod Blakley of NBC Sports Boston writes. The absence of Love likely means a heavier dose of James, Nance, and Jeff Green on Al Horford, who did a fine job defending him in Game 6.
Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue confirmed that Green will start in place of Love, Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com writes. “I think he attacked the small guys, the switches, and took his time, did a good job attacking, rebounded the ball well,” Lue said of Green’s Game 6 effort. “I just think defensively being able to switch and guard multiple positions, that’s huge for us.

Eastern Finals Notes: Tatum, Horford, James, Love

May 26th, 2018 at 7:33pm CST by Arthur Hill

Cleveland will have to play Game 7 without Kevin Love, but Boston’s Jayson Tatum came away from Friday night’s collision relatively unscathed. Coach Brad Stevens told reporters that doctors checked on Tatum today and said he’s in “great” condition, tweets ESPN’s Chris Forsberg. Tatum will continue to be monitored up to tomorrow’s game, but right now the team isn’t worried about his availability.

Tatum was defending Love when they bumped heads in the first quarter and said it took him a while to shake off the effects, relays A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston.

“They asked me if I was dizzy, if I had a headache,” said Tatum, who underwent concussion testing on the sidelines. “I’m fine.”

There’s more on the eve of Game 7:

Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson, who barely played when the postseason began, has helped turn the series around with his defense on Al Horford, notes Adam Himmeslbach of The Boston Globe. Cleveland is outscoring Boston by 3.2 points per 100 possessions when they are on the court together, but the Celtics have a 19.2 edge when Horford plays without Thompson. Boston’s big man was visibly frustrated after Friday’s game, which included a healthy dose of double teaming. “If you were watching the game, I was getting doubled as soon as I caught the ball,” Horford said to reporters. “Every time, I didn’t really have one-on-one position. So they did a good job of really doubling me and making it hard.”
As bad as the Love injury news was for Cavaliers fans, things could have been worse, relays Dave McMenamin of ESPN. Larry Nance Jr. collided with LeBron James during the fourth quarter on a play that reminded McMenamin of an incident that caused Kevin Durant to miss a significant part of last season. “I just felt someone fall into my leg, and my leg kind of went in,” said James, who was limping when he left the arena. “I felt some pain throughout my entire right side of my ankle into my leg. I was just hoping for the best, obviously, because I’ve seen so many different injuries, and watching basketball with that type of injury, someone fall into one’s leg standing straight up. Luckily, I was able to finish the game.”
Love’s injury means James will likely have to improve on his already-superhuman effort, writes Justin Verrier of The Ringer. Love is averaging 13.9 points and 10.0 rebounds in the postseason, but he hasn’t been especially effective against the Celtics, Verrier notes. He has a minus-7.4 net rating in the series, worst on the team other than Rodney Hood.

Kevin Love Placed In Concussion Protocol; Out For Game 7

May 26th, 2018 at 12:57pm CST by marksuleymanov

MAY 26, 12:57pm: Vardon has now tweeted that Love has been ruled out for Game 7.

MAY 26, 12:53pm: Love was placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol today and his status for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals tomorrow night is uncertain, reports Joe Vardon of The Plain Dealer.

Vardon adds that Love will travel to Boston, but will have to pass a series of tests before being cleared to play.

MAY 25, 9:15pm: Kevin Love left Game 6 of the Cavaliers‘ Eastern Conference Finals matchup against Celtics on Friday after a collision with forward Jayson Tatum.

The injury occurred about five minutes into the first quarter after Tatum’s shoulder struck Love in the head. Love remained on the floor for several minutes before being helped to the bench and later evaluated in the locker room. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game for precautionary reasons. Love grabbed four rebounds before exiting due to injury.

Love’s status for Game 7 on Sunday remains unclear as a source tells ESPN that his prognosis will depend on him getting rest. There is cause for concern as Love has a documented history of concussions. The Cavaliers All-Star left a March 28 contest against the Hornets after an errant elbow knocked a tooth loose and caused him to feel concussion-like symptoms. Love also suffered a concussion during Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals.

While he has struggled at times, Love is still a vital piece to the Cavaliers’ lineup. In the postseason, he has averaged 14.8 PPG and 10.4 RPG for the club.

Cavaliers Notes: Smith, D. Jordan, James, Draft Pick

May 16th, 2018 at 9:57pm CST by Arthur Hill

J.R. Smith won’t face any repercussions from the league for a hard foul on Al Horford in Tuesday’s Game 2, according to an ESPN report. Horford was in the air late in the fourth quarter when Smith shoved him from behind, causing him to crash to the court. The officials called a flagrant 1 on Smith after a video review.

Smith agreed with the call when interviewed after the game, admitting he “blatantly” shoved Horford.

“It wasn’t like I was trying to low-bridge him or something to make sure he didn’t get it. It was a good, hard foul,” Smith said. “I can understand why they gave me a flagrant.”

There’s more today from Cleveland:

Smith has been through a lot of scrapes in his 14-year career and doesn’t mind playing the role of villain in playoff road games, relays A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston. “I don’t want the opposing fans to like me,” he said. “That’s not why I’m here. They can chant and scream all they want.”
LeBron James and coach Tyronn Lue both wanted to trade for Clippers center DeAndre Jordan at the deadline, according to Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. Lue felt the team needed a rim protector to anchor the defense.
The trades the Cavaliers made instead in February are letting them down in the conference finals, notes Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com. George Hill managed just three points in 33 minutes of Game 2 and couldn’t contain Celtics guard Terry Rozier. Rodney Hood didn’t take a shot from the field in 11 minutes, while Larry Nance Jr. was scoreless and Jordan Clarkson didn’t play.
The Nets’ first-rounder the Cavaliers acquired in the Kyrie Irving trade will strengthen their position whether LeBron James stays or not, contends Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. The Cavs will have 14 of their 17 players under contract for next season if James returns, but they have minimal guarantees beyond that, which will make rebuilding easier if it becomes necessary. Vardon suggests the team might try to trade Kevin Love again this summer and speculates that the Hornets could be interested in the No. 8 pick as a way to part with Kemba Walker‘s contract.
A podcast on Cleveland.com examines whether James’ future with the organization is tied to how the team performs in the conference finals.

Central Notes: Lue, Love, Morris, Anigbogu

May 13th, 2018 at 4:57pm CST by marksuleymanov

The Cavaliers started their Eastern Conference finals series against the Celtics today, aiming to reach the NBA Finals for a fourth straight season. At times, it seemed that the Cavaliers would not make it to this point of the season, evidenced by a series of roster moves, LeBron James‘ pending free agency, and head coach Tyronn Lue‘s frequent changes.

As it turns out, Lue got the blessing of team president Dan Gilbert early in the season to tinker and experiment with different things throughout the season, Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com writes.

“Dan Gilbert told me … you’ve gotta try new things,” Lue said. “Like, in business you gotta try new things. If it works, you’re a genius, if not, you change and do something else. I just think you gotta try things and kinda see how your team reacts to it.”

It was unconventional, but the Cavaliers were able to blow up their roster midseason and then win their first two playoff series.

Check out more Central Division notes below:

Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer writes that an effective Kevin Love will make the Cavaliers’ chance of advancing to the NBA Finals much easier. Love played well during Cleveland’s second-round matchup against the Raptors, helping the team sweep their way to the Eastern Conference finals.
Containing LeBron James in the Eastern Conference finals will be crucial for the Celtics if the team has any hopes of advancing to the NBA Finals. Big man Marcus Morris said before Game 1 that he is ready for the challenge of guarding James and feels he can do some successfully, per ESPN’s Chris Forsberg. “I’m a little older, a little more experienced. Personally, I think I’m probably the best guy defending him in the league, outside of Kawhi [Leonard],” he said.
NBA.com’s Mark Monteith reviewed Ike Anigbogu‘s first NBA season after he taken by the Pacers in the second round last season. Anigbogu only appeared in 11 games but the 19-year-old showed promise during his scare opportunities, Monteith writes.