The Cleveland Cavaliers were able to sweep easily the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, but at a pretty high cost. In Game 4 of the series between the two teams, Kevin Love dislocated his shoulder in the first quarter and didn’t return. This is pretty bad news for the Cavs, as Love is one of the most important players in their roster. There isn’t a timetable for his return, but the way he ran towards the locker room after he had suffered the injury looked pretty scary. The question now is – can the Cavaliers survive without Love?
Kevin Love hasn’t performed as it was expected all season long, but he is still one of the best players David Blatt has. The Chicago Bulls will be advancing to the next round pretty soon, and the Cavaliers will have a very hard task competing against them even if Love is on the floor. His teammate, LeBron James praised the big man after Game 3, saying that he is vital to their success in the playoffs.
“He’s played an unbelievable series. He missed some shots in Game 1, but his impact on the floor, to make shots, and rebound. He’s been highly criticized, and I know why. I think when you have your own team and then you come together with a Big Three, they have to find someone. Chris Bosh was that guy at some point in Miami. Kev was the guy they tried to find and tear down. I don’t get too involved in what everybody says. I think he’s relished the chance to be part of this franchise. He’s definitely used that as motivation, I believe. He’s a very cerebral basketball player. For us to be the team we want long-term, we need Kevin to be Kevin.”
In my opinion, it will be impossible for Cleveland to replace Love, as he provides the team with great three-point shooting and the ability to space the floor. The former Minnesota player isn’t enjoying his best statistical year, but nonetheless, whenever he has been off the floor during the regular season, the entire team has struggled. He draws the opponent’s big men near the three-point line, and that creates space for Irving and James to penetrate.
If Love has to miss time due to the shoulder injury that doesn’t exactly mean that the Cavaliers can’t advance in the playoffs. If LeBron James takes his place at the 4 spot, Cleveland will use a smaller lineup, but they will still be able to play their usual style. However, if the Cavs want to reach the Finals and win them, they will definitely need Love to be on the floor.
NBA News: Can the Cleveland Cavaliers advance without Kevin Love on the floor?
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