Cavs Top 3: Kevin Love smacks the Knicks from downtown

Kevin Love came alive from deep and guided the Cleveland Cavaliers to a win.

Kevin Love didn’t feel like doing much running on offense on Monday night and that’s ok, as he was hitting at a 50% clip from three, so why bother moving around the court much? The former All-Star and potential Sixth-Man of the Year for 2022 went 6-12 from three, which counted for all of his registered shots from the field. The Cleveland Cavaliers big man was an absolute sniper against the Knicks, and they needed every point he offered.

The Knicks and Cavs traded shots throughout the game like a pair of elite pro boxers. The Cavs built up a nice lead in the third quarter, thanks in part to Love’s shooting but the Knicks rallied back in the fourth, causing the Cleveland Cavaliers to hold onto the win by just two points. The Cavs won 95-93 and advanced to 29-19 on the season.

Love’s big game wasn’t the only piece of news from the game, as Jarrett Allen missed the start. He apparently had a non-Covid related illness. Allen wasn’t the only one out, as Lauri Markkanen also missed the game due to a high-ankle sprain. They did get some help, however, as Rajon Rondo came back after missing several games due to an injury.

It’ll be scary how good this team is when they’re completely healthy.

Cavs Top 3

1. Darius Garland
2. Isaac Okoro
3. Kevin Love

Darius Garland had a nice game, despite his shooting woes continuing. He only went 1-6 from three, continuing a trend of bad shooting that’s persisted for most of the month. He made up for it however with solid defense and great passing, finishing with 13 points and 12 assists. That’s good enough to get the single-point for the game.

The two points for the game go to Isaac Okoro, whose defense is indispensable at the moment. Offensively had a nice game, 6-13 for 14 points and a box+/- of +18.

Of course, the three points of the game go to Kevin Love, ironically, as he delivered from outside all night. He went 6-12, all from three-point, and finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Honorable mentions go to Dean Wade, who finished with 13 points. Evan Mobley, who had a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo, who finished with eight points, four rebounds, and three assists in just 18 minutes of action.

Yearly Standing:

1. Darius Garland (52 points)
2. Jarrett Allen (51 points
3. Kevin Love (41)
4. (*Tie*) Lauri Markkanen/ Ricky Rubio (32points)
5. Evan Mobley (27 points)
6.  Cedi Osman (25 points)
7. Isaac Okoro (8 points)
8. Dean Wade (5 Points)
9. Lamar Stevens (4 points)
10. Rajon Rondo (3 points)
11. Dylan Windler (1 point)