Cavs Top 3: Kevin Love and Cedi Osman help dominate the Bucks

Kevin Love and Cedi Osman lead the way for the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Bucks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo made waves eating Quaker Steak wings after a 115-99 drubbing by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Before his wing-infused post-game press conference, it was the Cavs who made the waves. Backed by impressive shooting performances by Cedi Osman and Kevin Love, the Cavaliers rolled to a 30-19 record, topping the Bucks not only in the game but in the standings.

Despite both teams having 30 wins, the Cavs have the better winning percentage compared to the Bucks (.612 vs. .600) and so that gives the Cavs the third spot in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Bucks fall to fifth. If the season ended today, the Cavaliers would have a home-court advantage against the 76ers in the opening round of the playoffs.

This was an impressive game by the Cavs, as Cleveland was without Lauri Markkanen, and Jarrett Allen had a rough day offensively, shooting just 4-9 from the field. Despite that, Darius Garland found his shot again (3-5 from three), and Dean Wade continues to prove his value; dropping 10 points in just 14 minutes of play.

Cavs Top 3

1. Evan Mobley
2. Cedi Osman
3. Kevin Love

The first point of the night goes to Evan Mobley who had a nice all-around game. He only shot 41% from the floor but finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while posting a box +/- of +11 and shooting a nice 5-7 from the free-throw line.

After a rough January shooting-wise, Cedi Osman hit 8-17 from the floor and 6-14 from three, to finish with 23 points, four assists, and three rebounds. Osman’s three-point shooting slump paired with Garland’s and it was nice to see both men shoot their way out of it against such a determined Bucks squad. That’s why Osman gets the two-pointer.

Lastly, the three points go to Kevin Love, (9/16, 5/9 from three), who finished with a team-high 25 points, and nine rebounds. His revival has been imperative to the team’s playoff hopes, and his play is necessary for the Cleveland Cavaliers to remain a legitimate contender once April and May roll around. Any trade involving him would have sunk this team.

Yearly Standing:

1. Darius Garland (52 points)
2. Jarrett Allen (51 points
3. Kevin Love (44)
4. (*Tie*) Lauri Markkanen/ Ricky Rubio (32points)
5. Evan Mobley (28 points)
6. Cedi Osman (27 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)