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Kevin Love’s return to glory with the Cleveland Cavaliers

By Tony Pesta

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 08: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the last minutes of the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 08, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 115-92. 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, OHIO - DECEMBER 08: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the last minutes of the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 08, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 115-92. 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) /
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Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
CLEVELAND, OHIO – DECEMBER 13: Ricky Rubio #3 talks with Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter against the Miami Heat at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 13, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Heat 105-94. 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) /

Kevin Love’s rejuvenation on the Cleveland Cavaliers

"“You don’t get this often. We have something that is bigger than ourselves, and I think that has given us all hope that we can make something special happen here, and we feel it,” Love told Chris Fedor. “It’s led to a lot of success, and therefore, you’re playing good basketball and playing the right way. I think it’s joyous.”"

Per 36 minutes, Love is averaging 22.0 points and 12.9 rebounds on 43/40/97 shooting splits. This is arguably his most efficient season in Cleveland, right on par with his 2018 All-Star campaign.

Love ranks 16th in bench scoring and has hauled in the third-most rebounds of any second unit player with 164 total rebounds. The Cavaliers are a perfect 4-0 when Love scores 18+ points this season, winning each game in dominant fashion by an average of 16.5 points.

The former All-Star has served as a steady bench presence who can give the Cavaliers’ a jolt of offense when things start to stagnate. Love’s veteran experience alongside his old friend in Ricky Rubio has allowed this young roster to stay in games they otherwise would have woefully taken themselves out of.

What’s more, Love is actually present on the court. Love has already played 23 games this season compared to just 25 the year before. He’s been healthy, appearing in 74 percent of Cleveland’s games – his most since 2016.

Percentage of games played by Love:

  • 2021-22: 74%
  • 2020-21: 35%
  • 2019-20: 68%
  • 2018-19: 27%
  • 2017-18: 72%
  • 2016-17: 73%
  • 2015-16: 94%

For all of the shooting, rebounding, passing and leadership Love brings to the team, none of it really matters if he can’t stay on the floor. This has been one of the core reasons for his resurgence as one of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ most important keys to success.

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