ATLANTA (AP) – Hawks guard Kyle Korver is done for the playoffs because of an ankle injury, another blow to a team already trailing Cleveland 2-0 in the Eastern Conference finals.
He has a severe high right ankle sprain, and a foot and ankle specialist will determine the course of treatment, the team said Saturday.
While diving for a loose ball, Cleveland’s Matthew Dellavedova slammed into the side of Korver’s right ankle late in the third quarter of Game 2 Friday night. Korver hobbled off the court to the locker room and didn’t return.
The Cavaliers won 94-82 and are home for Game 3 on Sunday night.
The 34-year-old Korver was selected for his first All-Star Game and for much of the season appeared on course to become the first player in NBA history to hit 90 percent of his free throws, 50 percent of his field goals and 50 percent of his 3-pointers.
But Korver slumped late in the season, missing out in all three categories. He continued to struggle in the playoffs as defenses clamped down, denying him many open looks. He was shooting just 39 percent and averaging 11.1 points.
The Hawks already were dealing with DeMarre Carroll’s sprained left knee. After being helped off the court in the series opener, he was able to play in Game 2 but clearly didn’t look at full speed, scoring only six points.
Atlanta, of course, won’t get much sympathy from the Cavaliers. Kevin Love is out for the playoffs with a shoulder injury and Kyrie Irving has lingering knee problems. The point guard didn’t play in Game 2, but the Cavaliers still romped behind LeBron James’ 30 points.
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