1 stud and 1 dud for Cavs in Sunday’s tune-up win over Bucks

Cavs Stud: Kevin Love

I know the Cavs have at least two more games to play this season, however, it’s hard not to sit back and look at Love’s Sunday performance with a smile. A year ago, with the losses piling up, Love looked like he wanted to be anywhere but Cleveland. Fast forward to this season, and personally, I think it looks like he’s having the most fun of his career.

I was skeptical after he dropped out of the Olympics, and even more skeptical about how he would mesh with this young core. Through it all though, he’s put out an incredible season, and he should be up for some kind of award this offseason. On Sunday, Love was just hot, and because the game was pretty much a tune-up, he let it fly.

The five-time All-Star was scorching from the get-go, hitting three straight three-pointers to close out the first quarter. His whole offensive arsenal was on display in the second quarter, cutting across the middle and taking contact for an and-one. On the next possession, he rifled a pass to the post where Markkanen had his defender pinned, for a nice assist.

Love really put it all on display on Sunday afternoon, and it was great to see. The Cavaliers have a very young core, but a veteran like Love, with his leadership, wisdom, and skill level, is imperative to have around.