Skip to content

Report: Cavaliers questioned Love's illness in 'loud and intense' meeting

Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / Getty

It seems Kevin Love is taking the brunt of the blame for the Cleveland Cavaliers' embarrassing loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Love's teammates were reportedly upset that he played just three minutes in the 148-124 loss due to an unspecified illness, and they let him know it in a team meeting that was described as "loud and intense," by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Several Cavaliers questioned the legitimacy of his illness.

Love reportedly defended himself and explained his side of the story to teammates, coaches, and management. There was a sense that some of the issues that had been brewing throughout the difficult stretch were resolved.

The Cavaliers' locker room isn't only blaming Love, however. Point guard Isaiah Thomas has received the short end of the stick after returning from an injury that held him out for six months. Head coach Tyronne Lue and the front office, including general manager Koby Altman and team owner Dan Gilbert, were reportedly blamed as well.

The Cavaliers' defensive woes are the most notable of their on-court issues, ranking 29th in defensive rating with a 113.9 rating over the past 14 games.

The Cavaliers have lost 10 of their last 14 games, with six of their last 10 losses being by double figures.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox