INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) Cleveland Cavaliers forward Rodney Hood has apologized to coach Tyronn Lue and his teammates for refusing to check into Game 4 against Toronto.
Hood, who has lost playing time throughout the playoffs, didn’t check in during the fourth quarter Tuesday night when the Cavaliers completed a sweep. Cleveland was leading by 30 points when Lue told Hood to replace LeBron James.
The 25-year-old Hood said he knew “it was going to look bad” and regrets his decision. Hood said his teammates accepted his apology and laughed off the situation after all the drama they’ve been through this season.
Hood began the playoffs in the starting lineup but averaged less than one point against the Raptors. He’s confident he can have an impact against Boston in the Eastern Conference finals.
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