Boston Celtics forward Kelly Olynyk sent Cleveland big man Kevin Love running, literally, off the court in pain. Olynyk was fighting with Love for a loose ball in Game 4 in Boston when their tangle ended up with Love about to miss perhaps two weeks with a shoulder injury. Afterward Love called it a “bush league” play and said he was convinced Olynyk did it “on purpose.”
Olynyk told the Boston Herald that Love was being “ridiculous,” claiming he wouldn’t hurt Love or anyone else intentionally. Passion can overtake the senses in the heat of competition, though, and Olynyk may misremember his act. Both the Celtics and the Cavs certainly regret what happened. But you know who might not, if they’re being honest? The Chicago Bulls. Kevin Love might not be the dream Cleveland thought it was getting, but the Cavs are much tougher with Love spreading the floor and grabbing rebounds. The Bulls, Cleveland’s next opponent, won’t miss Love. A century ago in Chicago, the Olynyk hit might have been something out of Al Capone‘s dastardly imagination.
