CLEVELAND – Richard Jefferson turns 36 later this month (on June 21), has played in the NBA since 2001 and suited up for the Warriors as recently as three years ago – and now he will start against Golden State in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
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Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love will miss Game 3 of the NBA Finals due to a concussion he suffered in Game 2, according to multiple reports.
Love was struck in the back of the head by Warriors guard Harrison Barnes while they were both attempting a rebound.
Under the NBA’s concussion protocol, Love needs to clear a series of tests and physical activities without symptoms.
Haynes said Love has been making good progress but on Tuesday, the team said there was a “50-50” chance of him playing.
“Because remember previous year, the story line was, ‘OK, Golden State, you won a championship, but that’s because Kyrie and Kevin Love weren’t playing.’ Now they’re playing, now you’ve got to play like you know how to play”, O’Neal said Monday night.
The final decision on his status will come closer to game time on Wednesday.
Stay with KRON4 News for updates. Jefferson scored 12 points in Cleveland’s 33-point loss to the Warriors in Game 2. “Kevin is eager to play and he’s frustrated he’s not able to play, but that’s how we’re trying to protect our players in the National Basketball Association”. Love played part of the second half but took himself out of the game after he became dizzy while playing defense. “We didn’t feel like we were down and we knew we were better than that team”, he said.
“I’m never one to complain about minutes or question coach Lue”.
The two-time champion took just 38 shots in Games 1 and 2 while trying to find ways to get other guys involved. “If that’s getting five minutes, I’m going to have to bust my butt for five minutes”. Now they hope to hold serve at Quicken Loans Arena, where they are 7-0 this postseason.
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“It’s going to be the next man up”, James said. “Kevin has a certain skill set that’s tough to handle”.
