Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love will not be suspended for leaving the bench during a skirmish in the final seconds of Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors, sources told Yahoo's Chris Mannix.
As Love's teammate Tristan Thompson sparked a heated incident with 2.6 seconds remaining in overtime - first by hitting Shaun Livingston with his forearm, and later by hitting Draymond Green in the face with the basketball - Love, who was not checked into the game, stepped onto the court in front of the Cavs' bench.
In the past, the NBA has famously enforced the rule against leaving the bench to the letter of the law, issuing suspensions regardless of context or the magnitude of the ensuing game. They now appear to be taking a more flexible approach.
Thompson, however, may still be subject to suspension for his role in the late-game fracas.
