The Cleveland Cavaliers finished off the Boston Celtics with a first-round sweep, but their championship hopes may have taken a serious hit with injury to Kevin Love.

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The star power forward exited in the first quarter of the 101-93 Game 4 win after getting tangled up with Boston’s Kelly Olynyk.

Both players were going for the loose ball off a missed shot when Olynyk tugged on Love’s left arm, causing the shoulder injury and forcing the Cavaliers big man to run directly to the locker room.

Love was ruled out for the rest of the contest with a dislocated shoulder. For reference, team-mate Iman Shumpert missed six weeks earlier this season with a similar injury on his shoulder.

Speaking afterwards, Love felt there was intent on Olynyk’s part and said: “I thought it was a bush-league play … I have no doubt in my mind that he did it on purpose.”

While Love’s status is unclear, Cleveland will likely be without JR Smith in the first game of the conference semi-finals.

The shooting guard was ejected in the third quarter of the victory over the Celtics for throwing a vicious backhand at Jae Crowder, who was injured on the play.

Crowder was helped to the locker room with a leg injury and didn’t return, possibly playing his final game for Boston as he’ll enter the offseason a restricted free agent.

The Celtics forward was also involved in a scuffle with Cleveland’s Kendrick Perkins in the second quarter, when the centre shoved Crowder high while setting a screen and then threw a hand in his face.

Perkins was assessed a flagrant foul, while both players also received technicals.

The play will be reviewed by the league and Perkins, like Smith, could potentially face a suspension.

Injuries and heated moments aside, the game featured sloppy play on both ends.

Neither team shot well as the Cavaliers hit 39.7 per cent from the field, including 7-of-33 from long range, barely edging Boston’s 38.8 per cent and 3-of-23 on 3-pointers.

The Celtics even had a rough time at the free throw line, where they shot themselves in the foot by making just 24-of-37.

LeBron James played all but two minutes and nearly recorded a triple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.

Boston coach Brad Stevens used every one of his 12 players with Jared Sullinger and Isaiah Thomas each scoring 21 in a reserve role.