3 studs in Cavs tremendous comeback win over Pacers
By John Suchan
Stud No. 3: Kevin Love
Can the league make an exception for Kevin Love this season and make him an All-Star just because? All joking aside, Love has created a new identity this year as the sixth man for the team and more times than not, when he enters the game, the team plays even better. It may not always start off that way, though. In this game, the first half was still a mess with him on the floor and he kept missing open shots as well.
But he kept putting shots up and he got into more of a rhythm shooting the ball and eventually, he was knocking down long distance threes from everywhere. He finished his evening scoring 19 points, to go along with having seven rebounds and five assists. When he was out on the floor the Cavs were a plus-20.
He and Cedi Osman put on an absolute show for the happy fans at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in the fourth quarter. They combined to score the first 25 points of that quarter. It was the Love and Osman Show and when that show is in town, drop what you’re doing and tune in.
On two back-to-back plays that show was in full gear.
On the first play Love, when the Cavs were on their 19-0 run, threw a length of the floor pass to a sprinting Osman for an easy two points. On the very next offensive possession, which was started with a defensive steal by Love, Love then got the ball back along the three-point line on the sideline and as the Pacers went to defend him taking a shot, Love quickly threw a beautiful behind-the-back pass to Osman who was parked along the baseline for an easier three-point shot that he nailed. That extended the lead to 80-68 and forced the winded Pacers to take a desperate timeout.
Love was everywhere in that fourth quarter, even taking charges on defense and knocking down more three-pointers. The Cavs finished the quarter going 8-of-11 from the three-point arc.
Next. Cavs get perimeter help from Caris LeVert trade with Pacers. dark
This was another great effort by the whole team. And it’s why the Cavaliers will continue to be the talk of the NBA, and this team is not only eying a playoff appearance, but a run at the championship. Stay tuned!