After two convincing defeats at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers could definitely use some good news as it relates to their chances in the 2016 NBA Finals. They have have gotten some of that as it relates to their star forward, Kevin Love, via Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com.
Kevin Love progressing well in concussion program and very possible he's cleared for Game 3, I'm told. #Cavs to send update in afternoon.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 7, 2016
With that said, Love’s official status is still unknown and will likely remain that way until close to Wednesday’s Game 3.
However, today's pending update on Love won't say if he will be a go for tomorrow. That won't be determined until closer to game time.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 7, 2016
Love’s health is the most important element of this story. Whether Love is able to play Wednesday or not, it clearly seems as though he’s improving and the injury is not that serious, which is good news for fans everywhere.
How much Love’s return will help Cleveland on the court is something of a mystery. He was healthy for all of the Cavs’ Game 1 loss, and the Warriors were up when Love was hurt in Game 2.
Additionally, the Cavaliers did much better against Golden State in last year’s series when Love was out of action, winning two of the first three games and losing the other in overtime. It’s certainly possible that Love’s offensive strengths don’t offset his defensive issues against a team like the Warriors.
Still, a player dealing with a head injury puts a fairly significant cloud over the NBA Finals. Knowing that Love is progressing and maybe even playing goes a long way in removing that cloud.