Kevin Love Is Reportedly ‘Optimistic’ About Playing In Wednesday’s Game 3

Update: The Cavaliers have officially listed Love as questionable for Game 3.

Previously: It was a scary moment for Kevin Love in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday when the Cavs forward took an inadvertent elbow to the back of the head from Harrison Barnes. Cavs officials were adamant that Love didn’t betray any signs of a concussion in the immediate aftermath, so Love continued to play after halftime. However, he appeared somewhat disoriented during one particular sequence, then immediately took himself out of the game and headed to the locker room, where he went through the league’s concussion protocol.

There still isn’t much clarity about whether Love officially sustained a concussion, but he was able to travel with the team back to Cleveland on Monday. He didn’t participate in practice Tuesday but is said to be optimistic about his chances to play in Game 3 on Wednesday if he can pass the league-mandated tests for concussion-related symptoms. Via Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com:

There are several steps that the NBA requires a concussed player to complete before he returns to the court, including tests of physical exertion, agility work and noncontact team drills.

Love has struggled so far in the Finals against the Warriors, but the Cavs will need him back in tip-top shape if they want any chance at all of getting back into this series before it’s too late.

(ESPN.com)

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