Cleveland Cavaliers power foward Kevin Love was held out of the second half of the team’s 107-91 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday afternoon due to lower back soreness.
It’s the same back issue that kept the big man out of the second half of a loss to Golden State on Jan. 16 as well as the team’s next game on Jan. 19.
“When he (Love) got out there he felt something and he tried to give it a go again and he just couldn’t go,” Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue said.
According to Cleveland.com, Love is staying back in Cleveland to undergo an MRI at Cleveland Clinic, while the rest of the team travels to Dallas for their matchup against the Mavericks on Monday night.
“It’s nothing to play with,” said James. “It’s a terrible feeling when your back is hurt. It just limits you more than anything. I know it’s very frustrating for him because he puts in a lot of work. He’s in the weight room all the time and he’s doing his thing to keep his body in shape, then this is happening to him so it’s very frustrating. Hopefully things get better for him soon.”
Initially, Love’s back pain wasn’t thought to be a long-term issue, however, according to Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.com, the problem could linger for a week, or possibly even longer:
“A team source told me Love is likely to miss at least the rest of the week, if for no other reason than to heal. But more will be known Monday after a visit to the Cleveland Clinic.”
The 28-year-old is having a career year in a Cavs uniform, putting up averages of 20.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.6 made 3-pointers per game.
Now, without Love, the Cavs will have to move forward with just 12 available players.
