Kevin Love will play in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. The Cavaliers power forward has been cleared after suffering a possible concussion and missing Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Kevin Love cleared to play Game 1 of NBA Finals
The former all-star will return to action from a possible concussion.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Love’s presence should be a boost for Cleveland, who will travel to Oakland as historic underdogs. The dynamic forward has struggled this postseason, averaging just 13.9 points per game and shooting just 38.8 percent from the floor. Despite those struggles, he’s been a useful rebounder and useful, if inconsistent, running mate for LeBron James. At his best, like in a 31-point, 11-rebound performance on the road against Toronto in the Eastern Conference semifinals, he’s a versatile inside-out presence whose three-point shooting forces defenders out of the paint and unclogs the lane for the Cavs’ drives off the dribble.
His return will take some pressure from Jeff Green’s shoulders. The veteran forward started Game 7 against the Celtics and performed admirably against his former team, scoring 19 points and adding eight rebounds to help end Boston’s season. He’ll likely return to the bench Thursday night, but should see plenty of minutes based on his most recent showing.
The Cavaliers and Warriors kick off the 2018 NBA Finals Thursday night at 9 p.m. ET.
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