Cavs Top 3: Kevin Love returns in a big way against the Orlando Magic

The Cleveland Cavaliers finally got back their future Hall of Famer in Kevin Love.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were able to get their second win in a row on Friday night when the Cavs knocked off the Orlando Magic to the tune of 107-96. The game saw Cavs icon Kevin Love return to action with significant minutes, putting up 23 in his return from a hand injury.

Love was highly efficient, pulling down a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. His return comes after missing nearly two weeks of action and looks like he hasn’t missed a beat.

Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley were also big contributors to the win, with Mitchell dropping a game-high 34 points, and Mobley pulling in 19 points and 13 rebounds.

Dean Wade and Lamar Stevens got the start but Cedi Osman and Isaac Okoro got a bulk of the minutes at their positions. Darius Garland put up 18 points on solid efficiency but his defense continues to be an issue.

The same can’t be said for Caris LeVert, who shot poorly on Friday but whose defense was highly valuable. Consistency from LeVert will be needed as the Cavs continue to look for defense on the perimeter from the likes of LeVert and Okoro.

Okoro’s been playing better, save for his 1-11 outing against the Raptors. Take that game out of the equation, and Okoro is shooting 57% from the floor, a marked improvement from years past. While Okoro’s three-point shot is still not great, 26%, it is up from his season average of just 20%.

Okoro is best when he’s attacking the basket in transition, and if the Cavs can capitalize on that skill set by using him to attack the rim on cuts more often, then he may be able to be a more offensive force.

Cleveland Cavaliers top 3 vs. the Orlando Magic

1 Point – Donovan Mitchell

34 Points (12-21 FG, 7-11 3PT, 3-3 FT), 2 Rebounds

2 Points – Kevin Love

11 Points (4-7 FG, 1-3 3PT, 2-2 FT), 11 Rebounds, 3 Assists, BPM +16

3 Points – Evan Mobley

19 Points (9-10 FG, 1-1 3 PT) 13 Rebounds, 4 Assists, BPM +15

Cavs Top 3 Seasonal Standings

1. Donovan Mitchell – 36 Points
2. Darius Garland – 26 Points
3. Evan Mobley – 19 points
4. Cedi Osman, & Jarrett Allen – 13 Points
5. Kevin Love – 12 Points
6. Caris LeVert – 8 Points
7. Isaac Okoro – 5 Points
8. Dean Wade – 3 Points