Five Keys in Order for Cleveland Cavaliers to Beat Indiana Pacers in Round 1

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3. Points Off Turnovers

Kevin Love

If the Cavs can force turnovers and score points in transition, they should be in pretty good shape this series against the Pacers. Cleveland power forward Kevin Love (19.0 points and 11.1 rebounds per game) led his team in rebounding this season and also tied a career high with 0.9 steals per game.

“It’s on us. We’ve got to go out there and play hard on both sides of the ball,” Love said after practice on Friday. “I think if we do that, get our fans involved and get this city really behind us again….Last year was magical for us, we’re hoping to create the same sort of feel.”

Keeping momentum in their favor is very important for the Cavs, especially by forcing the Pacers to turn the ball over and capitalizing by scoring points off turnovers. Three-point baskets for Cleveland following turnovers by Indiana would be a huge boost for the Cavs’ confidence, especially if Love and shooting guard J.R. Smith (8.6 points and 2.3 three-pointers made per game) get in on the action.

Next: Strong Bench Play

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Andrew Salmi is a recent graduate of California State University, Fullerton after he previously attended Arizona State University. He is proud to be a staff writer for Cavaliers Nation. You can follow him on Twitter @andrewsalmi.