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Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Takeaways From Game 1 vs. Pistons

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy complains about a call during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs beat the Pistons 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy complains about a call during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs beat the Pistons 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 17: Kevin Love #0 and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate during the second quarter of the NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Detroit Pistons at Quicken Loans Arena on April 17, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 106-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 17: Kevin Love #0 and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate during the second quarter of the NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Detroit Pistons at Quicken Loans Arena on April 17, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 106-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

2. Kevin Love Has Arrived

The Cleveland Cavaliers is led by a four-time NBA MVP in small forward LeBron James. Cleveland also has a three-time All-Star in point guard Kyrie Irving, who has become one of the most popular players in the Association.

Both players had tremendous outings, but Game 1 was all about Love’s breakout performance.

In his first postseason game since exiting Game 4 of Cleveland’s 2015 first-round series with a shoulder injury, Love was superb. He set postseason career-highs with 28 points and 13 rebounds, converted four critical 3-point field goals, and shined in the clutch.

In turn, Love offered a rare look at how dominant Cleveland can be when all three of its stars are shining.

Whether it was playing surprisingly strong defense against Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson, or coming up with a timely jump shot, Love was superb.

This was a redeeming performance for Love, who has fallen out of favor with many members in the NBA community. His shift from power forward to center changed the dynamic of the game, and his two clutch 3-point field goals in the fourth quarter played a major role in the outcome.

By moving Love to center, the Cavaliers may have found a creative enough lineup to compete for an elusive first championship.

Next: No. 1

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