Kevin Love injured his shoulder while interlocked with Kelly Olynyk – which could cost at least Love two weeks – and the Cavaliers forward was blunt afterward:
“I thought it was a bush-league play,” Love said. “… I have no doubt in my mind that he did it on purpose.”
Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald:The Celtics forward, stunned that Love would accuse him of intentionally trying to cause injury, had a sharp reaction when forced to defend his reputation.
“That’s ridiculous,” Olynyk told the Herald tonight. “I would never intentionally hurt Kevin or anyone else. He locked my arm up, I locked up his as we were fighting for a loose ball. You lock up arms all the time in this league.”
Olynyk, who said he had unsuccessfully attempted to contact Love through mutual contacts tonight, also expressed concern.
“I wish him a very speedy recovery, and I hope he can come back to help his team in the playoffs,” Olynyk said.
I don’t think Olynyk intended to injure Love, but at minimum, Olynyk was being reckless. Grab someone’s arm like that, and the risk of injury rises higher than an acceptable level.
I think Olynyk crossed the line – not to the extent of intentionally injuring someone, but it doesn’t need to go that far to be wrong.