Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 takeaways from Game 4 vs. Raptors

3. Kevin Love is playing big once again

Despite getting off to a slow start in the opening round of the playoffs, Kevin Love has found a way to produce and play big on both ends of the floor for the Cavs over the last three games.

In addition to providing his team with timely production, the 10-year veteran out of UCLA is now seeking to destroy opposing matchups, using his size and frame to take advantage of smaller forwards down on the low block. He’s also been stepping out on the perimeter to hit critical shots and make big plays in the second half.

During the third quarter of Game 4, Love demanded the ball inside on several occasions, and scored on three consecutive hook shots to help the Cavs extend their lead against Toronto with LeBron James on the bench.

He also served as a rim protector inside, blocking and altering several shots whenever the Raptors sought to attack him within their pick-and-roll sets. The second banana who struggled throughout Cleveland’s first round series against the Indiana Pacers now appears to have his mojo back.

"“Kevin’s just being Kevin,” Cavs point guard George Hill told reporters about Love’s spectacular play in the conference semifinals. “He had a rough first series, but we knew that Kevin would come around. It wasn’t a matter of they were taking things away. It was just a matter of shots weren’t going in, and he’s getting those same looks now, and they’re dropping.”"

Although Cleveland is very fortunate to have the best player in the world on their roster, Love’s performance has to be an encouraging sign for Cavs fans this time of year. After displaying a tremendous amount of resolve to bounce back mightily after enduring a broken left hand in late January, on top of personal struggles earlier in the season.

His ability to score inside and outside, combined with his ability to rebound and serve as an active help defender, will play a major role as to whether or not the team in The Land is able to capture another championship.