Cavs Top 3: Kevin Love and Matthew Dellavedova return in loss

The Cavs fell to the 76ers on Thursday night 114-94. The Cavs, almost like clock-work, were competitive until the second half when things fell apart. While this is the recurring trend for the Cavaliers this year, the one thing that should be shouted and celebrated were the returns of Kevin Love and Matthew Dellavedova to the team.

For Love, this yet another return this year, having missed just about all of the season due to lower leg issues. Love looked good though in only 20 minutes. He was darting around the floor looking for shots, and while he only shot 40% from the floor, he did hit 50% from three. He finished the day with 13 points, four rebounds, and three assists playing next to Dean Wade. Love and Wade started the game due to Jarrett Allen having a concussion.

For Dellavedova, this marked his season debut for the Cavs. Like Allen, Dellavedova was dealing with lingering issues from past concussions, as well as neck issues. There were originally talks of retirement, but that seemed more like a worst-case scenario. While Dellavedvoa didn’t score a point (0-4), he played excellent defense all night. He also registered five assists and two rebounds in 16 minutes.

While it was great to have both guys back, they didn’t quite do enough to crack the top three.

Top 3 Game Performers

1 Point – Isaiah Hartenstein

What a steal Isaiah Hartenstein has looked so far. He put up 12 points and seven rebounds coming off the bench and shot 5-9 from the floor. Admittedly, Dwight Howard had his way against Hartenstein at times on defense, but he’s a young player so these things will happen.

2 Points – Dean Wade

Dean Wade has been a real steal for the Casv. Continuing to grow and improve with each game, Wade is starting to look like a starter. Over his last seven games, he’s averaging 11 points per game, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. Against the 76ers on Friday, Wade put up 18 points, eight rebounds and shot 43% from the floor.

3 Points – Collin Sexton

For Collin Sexton, this is just another day. 24 points, going 9-9 from the free-throw line, shooting just under 50% from the floor, with three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. He got torched defensively, however.