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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Love: Olynyk’s ‘bush-league’ play caused injury

Cavs player leaves with dislocated shoulder

Cavaliers forward Kevin Love, left, is pulled by the arm by Celtics center Kelly Olynyk in Sunday’s game. (Thomas Ondrey)
Associated Press

BOSTON – Kevin Love dislocated his left shoulder Sunday on what he said was a “bush-league” play.

Cleveland’s power forward was injured in the first quarter of the Cavaliers’ 101-93 victory that completed a four-game sweep when he and Boston’s Kelly Olynyk chased a loose ball into the left corner after Jae Crowder of the Celtics missed a 3-pointer.

Olynyk’s right arm became entangled with Love’s left arm. Love then grabbed his arm and kept running toward the Cleveland bench before going to the locker room, where he iced his shoulder. Olynyk was charged with a foul.

“I thought it was a bush-league play,” Love said after the game while wearing a sling.

“I have no doubt in my mind that he did it on purpose,” Love said. “Olynyk was in a compromising position, had no chance to get the ball, and it was just too bad that he would go to those lengths to take somebody out of a game.”

Boston coach Brad Stevens didn’t think Olynyk hurt Love on purpose.

“That’s not the type of person he is,” Stevens said. “I hope Kevin’s OK to play, whenever they play next, because you want everybody out there to finish the game.”

Olynyk didn’t speak to reporters after the game.

Love said he intends on returning to the playoffs this season and wants the NBA to review the play.

“Oh, the league will take a look at it,” he said, “and it better be swift and just.”

The Cavs said Love would return home with the team and receive further examination, imaging and evaluation in Cleveland before his status is updated.