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Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 takeaways from Game 3 vs. Raptors

By Simon Smith

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 5: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Cavaliers fans react after game winning shot against the Toronto Raptors after Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors on May 5, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 5: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Cavaliers fans react after game winning shot against the Toronto Raptors after Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors on May 5, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Kevin Love back to his best

After an up-and-down season, Kevin Love’s reclamation over the past two games has been incredibly timely.

Following his 31-point, 11-rebound performance in Game 2, Love backed this up with 21 points and 16 rebounds in Game 3, in the process posting back-to-back 20-10 games for the first time since the beginning of December.

Furthermore, after being a team-best +20 while on the floor in Game 3, Love has now been an incredible +41 over the past two games, comfortably the best return on the team.

Love had a particularly strong third quarter, posting nine points and four rebounds as the Cavaliers were able to maintain a solid lead with James resting on the bench.

After his performance, Love commented on this stretch of the game:

"“More than anything, I think Ty Lue just wanted me to get involved when LeBron was out. It’s not just about me, I’ve got to give a lot of credit to guys like George Hill, whose been huge for me. Kyle Korver as well, just having that either strong side or weak side action with him….those guys are finding ways to help me and get me open, and I think everyone’s just making the right plays.”"

Considering the personal struggles Love has endured this season, seeing him return to this level of form has been exceptional for all involved. If the Cavaliers can continue to procure this level of production from Love moving forward, there’s no telling how far they can travel this postseason.

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