Kevin Love will remain the Cleveland Cavaliers’ starter on the five in Game 2 with the Toronto Raptors. This was confirmed by Head Coach Ty Lue in a conversation with the media.
“We need Kevin on the five for our spacing,” Lue explained after a Cavs training session. “I think he’s going to help us offensively. Jonas Valanciunas tries a lot to help and block throws. Kevin will always have open litters.”
This was already confirmed in the game, but Love could not use it. The Big Man scored only 3 of his 13 throws and finished the game with only 7 points, while the Lithuanian scored 21 points and 21 rebounds.
After game 1 Love addressed the criticism and reminded again that he was not playing in his usual position. “I’ve played on four all my career,” said Love. “I have to find some easy points, they were there in game one, but I couldn’t take advantage of them.”
Loves Backup made things better for Tristan Thompson, who also set the tone in Toronto after a convincing 7 against Indiana. “He changed the game with his offensive rebounds,” Lue praised. “This was very important to us. If we have to change something, we will, but right now he’s helping us, especially from the bank.
The Cavs won game 1 in Toronto after extra time and have thus secured their home advantage for the moment. Game 2 takes place again in Canada during the night from Thursday to Friday.