COLUMBUS, Ohio – A bruising game – literally – has taken its toll on the Cavaliers as they await the start of their next NBA Playoff series.
Forward Kevin Love will miss at least that series, against either Chicago or Milwaukee, and J.R. Smith will miss the first two games as a result of rough plays during Sunday’s series-clinching win over Boston.
Love suffered a dislocated left shoulder in the first quarter when he got his left arm locked with Celtics forward Kelly Olynyk while chasing a loose ball. Olynyk yanked down on Love’s arm and his shoulder popped out of its socket joint.
Love called it a “bush-league play.”
The Cavs say he is seeking additional medical opinions.
In his first postseason as a pro, Love is averaging 14.3 points and seven rebounds.
Olynyk will serve a one-game suspension in the first game of the 2015-16 regular season for which he is eligible and able to play.
Smith has been suspended two games without pay after he swung backward and smacked Boston’s Jae Crowder in the face. Smith was ejected and Crowder sustained a sprained knee ligament.
Cleveland’s Kendrick Perkins was also fined $15,000 and his flagrant 1 foul changed to flagrant 2 for a hard screen on Crowder.