Cavs’ Korver leaves team after death of brother

FILE PHOTO: ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 30: Kyle Korver #26 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives against DeAndre’ Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on November 30, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Cleveland guard Kyle Korver has been excused from the team to be with his family after the death of his younger brother, the Cavaliers said Tuesday.

“We are very sad to share that Cavaliers guard Kyle Korver’s brother, Kirk, passed away today,” the Cavaliers said in a statement. “Kyle has been excused from the team to be with his family. We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt best to Kyle and his entire family as they go through this very difficult time.”

Kirk Korver, 27, had fallen ill last week.

Kyle left the team on Friday to be with him and missed Saturday’s victory over the Chicago Bulls.

He returned to score 12 points in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.

© Agence France-Presse