Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver has been forced to undergo surgery on the ankle he injured in the Eastern Conference finals with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Korver twisted his ankle colliding with Matthew Dellavedova in the game two defeat on Friday evening, and despite initially being diagnosed as a severe sprain, further tests confirmed that he would need an operation.

"There was some hope that surgery may not be required," Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer, who refused to offer a timetable for his return, told reporters.

"But with additional information and additional testing he will need surgery to get him back to where we want him. We all want what's best for Kyle and look forward to having him back."

Cleveland completed a 4-0 series sweep with a 118-88 win on Tuesday night.