Although his role has been heavily scrutinized, Kevin Love is an integral part of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ success.
Within less than a minute left of Games 7 of the NBA Finals, Kevin Love was able to execute one of the best defensive plays in NBA history when he aggressively prevented Stephen Curry from making his famous three-pointer. Love deservedly celebrated the championship win by impersonating “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
But before, and even after “The Stop,” Kevin Love has found himself, yet again, in the middle of criticism. It has always seemed that Kevin Love did not exactly fit in the “Big Three” with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. The decision to trade Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves two years ago in exchange for Andrew Wiggins has always been questionable.
Some of the scrutiny has been warranted, though. Because Love was injured during the 2015 NBA Finals, the pressure was on for him to do well in this year’s Finals. Love obviously did not meet expectations.
His presence was definitely not missed when Richard Jefferson started in his place in Game 3 of the Finals due to a concussion he suffered in the previous game. In fact, in the first two games that the Cleveland Cavaliers won against the Warriors, Kevin Love played a total of 32 minutes and only scored two points along with three rebounds and one assist.
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After that lackluster performance, Kevin Love was deemed as being overrated and overpaid. It was apparent that when Kevin Love was not on the floor, the Cavaliers did well. Love was like a curse to be on the floor. Fans evoked the same sentiment when one Cavaliers fan made a GoFundMe page to keep Kevin Love out of Game 6.
Kevin Love’s role was questionable even before the Finals. His statistical output proves that he was a more dominant force with the Timberwolves than with the Cavaliers. Love averaged 16 points per game last season, which was his lowest since his third season with Minnesota. His field goal percentage of 41.9 was the second-worst in his career. And overall, Love’s efficiency has never been consistent enough to remind fans of his glory days in Minnesota. Instead, his performance has reminded many that his glory days are basically over.
But Kevin Love, who is often sluggish on defense, finally redeemed himself with that defensive play on Stephen Curry, being a crucial part to getting that championship. Additionally, “The Stop” proved that Kevin Love is a very valuable aspect to the Cavaliers remaining successful. It cemented his role. It proved why he was a perfect fit for LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.
Kevin Love just has to stay consistent. Love’s strengths reside in his offensive ability, which includes his range and ability to guard the rim. His rebounding skill is an asset that the Cavaliers will need to further improve their status as the defending champions. Though his numbers have slightly declined since his years in Minnesota, Love averages an impressive 11.5 rebounds per game overall.
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For Kevin Love to really dominate and revive the success that he had with the Timberwolves, he will have to improve his defensive game. If Love can execute more defensive plays like “The Stop,” he will fit better with the team and improve their success.