The injury bug has once again struck Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love as he sustained a partially torn ligament in his left thumb. But according to Love and the team, he is expected to be ready to play in Game 3.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports Love suffered the injury happened late in the game. However, X-rays of the injury came back negative and neither Love nor the team sounded particularly concerned about the injury:
Cavaliers forward Kevin Love suffered a partially torn ligament in his left thumb during Wednesday night’s Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers, sources told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
Despite the injury, head coach Tyronn Lue said Love will be “ready to go” for Game 3 on Friday in Indianapolis.
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“I saw a replay too, and it didn’t look good,” Love said. “Hurt pretty bad. Initially, I told Ty afterward that I could have gone back in, but I think he liked the flow out there, and guys made big plays down the stretch.
“It’s not going to feel great tomorrow, but throw some ice on it, tape it up and be ready to go.”
Love, defending against the Pacers’ Victor Oladipo, was injured when he reached to deflect a pass. The ball appeared to hit his thumb and bend it back. He immediately went to the bench with 3 minutes, 43 seconds left in the game.
Cavaliers medical personnel worked on Love’s hand and taped it up. Although Cavs guard George Hill fouled out with 36.3 seconds remaining, Love did not return to the game.
Love missed six weeks earlier this season with a broken left hand. The Cavs’ All-Star had 15 points and six rebounds in the Cavaliers’ 100-97 Game 2 victory against the Indiana Pacers.
Game 3 of the series is Friday night in Indianapolis (7 ET, ESPN).
