Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love underwent shoulder surgery on Wednesday and has been ruled out for between four and six months to make a full recovery.
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Love sustained a dislocated shoulder after getting tangled up with Boston Celtics star Kelly Olynyk during Game 4 of the Cavs’ opening round playoff series on Sunday.
While the 26-year-old accused his rival of injuring with intent, Olynyk denied that he did it on purpose as the row continued to rumble on for days. The Celtics star appeared to clamp down on Love’s arm and pulled which forced it to pop out of his shoulder joint.
Having undergone MRI scans and X-rays, it was decided that surgery was the best course of action and now Love will miss the remainder of his first appearance in the post-season.
It will come as a huge blow for the Cavs considering the power forward was averaging 18 points and nine rebounds through his first three games in the playoffs, and he appeared to be settling in at just the right time.
However, his absence will mean coach David Blatt will need to change the rotation, while he will also be without JR Smith after he was suspended for two games following his hit to the face of Jae Crowder in the same game.
Naturally, the Cavaliers will be weakened by the loss of Love, but with the likes of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving still on the roster, they are rightfully still considered amongst the favourites to win a championship this year.
As they figure out how the injury will impact them, they continue to await the winner of the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks series, with Chicago leading 3-2 ahead of Game 6 in Milwaukee on Thursday night.
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