Kevin Love clears concussion protocol, will play in Game 4 of NBA Finals

Kevin Love has been cleared to play Game 4 of the NBA Finals after completing the league's concussion protocol, the Cavaliers announced. He will come off the bench and Richard Jefferson will continue to start, according to Cavaliers broadcaster Fred McLeod.

Midway through the second quarter of Game 2 of the Finals, Harrison Barnes inadvertently elbowed Love in the head while fighting for a rebound. Love immediately went down and was in obvious pain. The Cavaliers fouled and called a timeout, but despite suffering a severe blow to the head he stayed in the game. It wasn't until early in the third quarter that he asked to come out and headed to the locker room.

Love underwent the league's concussion protocol, but failed to pass the necessary tests required to be cleared despite having two days off. He missed Game 3, in which the Cavaliers beat the Warriors 120-90, and his status was uncertain for Game 4.

Now it's been revealed that he's completed the protocol and will suit up on Friday. The Cavaliers won Game 3 by 30 points with Jefferson in Love's place, so coach Tyronn Lue has elected to keep the same starters. As a sub, Love could prove to be an unexpected X-factor. Cleveland's bench has struggled all series long and could use the offensive punch the three-time All-Star could provide.