Richard Jefferson will replace concussed Kevin Love in the starting unit for Cleveland in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, and LeBron James will start at power forward in an effort to try and match Golden State’s speedy lineup.
Cavs coach Tyronn Lue made the announcements about two hours before tipoff, a move that wasn’t necessarily surprising given that Jefferson was in a starters’ uniform when the team held its morning shootaround.
The team ruled Love out several hours before Game 3. He remains in the NBA’s concussion protocol, after taking an elbow from Golden State’s Harrison Barnes in the back of the head and having to leave Game 2 on Sunday night.
“He’s frustrated that he’s not able to play,” Lue said. “But that’s the protocol. … Someone else has to step up right now.”
