Love Could Play in Game 3 of NBA Finals

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Published on June 8 2016 6:19 am
Last Updated on June 8 2016 6:20 am

Kevin Love did not participate in the Cleveland Cavaliers' practice Tuesday, but a source told ESPN's Dave McMenamin that the star forward is optimistic about his chances of playing in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Love is in the NBA's concussion protocol after being hit in the back of the head Sunday during Cleveland's loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 2.

Love was not on the floor for the beginning of Tuesday's practice. He eventually joined his teammates, but he did not take part in the workouts.

The Cavaliers officially listed Love as questionable for Game 3 later Tuesday.

Game 3 is Wednesday night in Cleveland. The Cavaliers face a 2-0 series deficit after back-to-back blowout losses at Golden State.

There are several steps that the NBA requires a concussed player to complete before he returns to the court, including tests of physical exertion, agility work and noncontact team drills.

Golden State's Harrison Barnes collided with Love as the two went for an offensive rebound with five minutes remaining in the second quarter Sunday. No foul was called on the play.

In the third quarter, Love became disoriented and displayed concussion symptoms. He was taken to the locker room and diagnosed with a concussion.


Former Center, Cocah Sean Rooks Dies

Former NBA center and Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Sean Rooks died Tuesday at the age of 46.

"It is with deep sadness and overwhelming grief that we mourn the sudden loss of my son, Sean," his mother, Deborah Brown, said in a statement released by the 76ers. "Our family asks that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this incredibly difficult time."

Rooks collapsed and died while having dinner at a Philadelphia restaurant, sources told The Undefeated's Marc Spears.

Earlier in the day, Rooks had visited with Knicks president Phil Jackson and general manager Steve Mills for an assistant coaching position on Jeff Hornacek's staff. Rooks' interview with the Knicks was first reported by The Vertical.

Rooks got into coaching in 2007 and had been with the 76ers organization since 2014, prior to his release a couple of weeks ago.

"Sean will long be remembered not for his accomplishments on the court -- of which there were many -- but for his vibrant personality, positive outlook and the genuine care he had for everyone in his life," the 76ers said in a statement.

Rooks played for seven NBA teams -- the Mavericks, Timberwolves, Hawks, Lakers, Clippers, New Orleans Hornets and Magic -- from 1992 to 2004 after being drafted by Dallas with the 30th overall pick in 1992. He played 749 career games and scored 4,676 points.

 

Wednesday, June 8 Schedule (Time Central)

Golden State at Cleveland, 8 p.m.

NBA FINALS - GAME 3

 

Thursday, June 9

No games scheduled

 

Friday, June 10

Golden State at Cleveland, 8 p.m.

NBA FINALS - GAME 4

 

Saturday, June 11

No games scheduled