Kevin Love is officially out for Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
That news came down early Wednesday afternoon after it was reported by ESPN’s Marc Stein that Love had been lobbying hard to be medically cleared for Game 3. But according to several reports, Love has been informed that the earliest he can hope to be cleared is for Game 4, which is scheduled for Friday at 9 p.m.
According to TSN, Love is still in the NBA’s concussion protocol under the supervision of Dr. Alfred Cianflocco, Dr. Jeffery Kutcher and the Cleveland Cavaliers head athletic trainer Steve Spiro.
He has been in the concussion protocol since removing himself from the third quarter of Game 2 against the Golden State Warriors. The initial injury was a result of a Harrison Barnes elbow to the back of the head after going for a rebound with about five minutes left in the second quarter. Love initially stayed in the contest, but removed himself after feeling dizziness and other concussion-like symptoms.
The protocol dictates that Love is required to gradually increase his physical activity and remain symptom-free before he can be cleared to play by both team and league doctors.
Love did not practice with the Cavs Tuesday, and reportedly was not around during the media portion of shootaround Wednesday morning. Michael Singer of USA Today reported that Love did participate in a portion of the shootaround, but it obviously wasn’t enough to convince doctors that Love was medically ready to play.
