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| Kevin Love (R) of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends against Jayson Tatum (C) of the Boston Celtics as Cavaliers LeBron James (L) looks on. Photo by David Maxwell/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock |
By Alex Butler, UPI
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love was ruled out for the remainder of Friday's game after a collision with Boston Celtics rookie Jayson Tatum.
Love and Tatum had the unfortunate run-in with about seven minutes remaining in the first quarter of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers led 10-6 at the time of the incident. LeBron James dribbled just past half court. He then fired a pass to his left, finding George Hill on the wing. Love picked up Tatum -- who was guarding Hill -- with a pick. Both players knocked heads as Hill launched a 3-pointer.
Love hit the deck immediately, while holding his head. Tatum walked toward the Celtics' bench with his hands on the back of his head.
Love left the floor and went to the locker room. The Cavaliers announced that he was being evaluated for a concussion and he would not return. Love has had three concussions during his decorated NBA career.
Tatum remained in the game. Love had four rebounds but did not score in five minutes of action. He was 0-for-3 from the field. Tatum had two points in the first half.
Cleveland led 54-43 at halftime.
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