2. Kevin Love’s Lack of Touches
Much was made, and with good reason, about how Kevin Love scored 27 points in the 117-111 Game 2 win despite attempting only seven field goals in almost 39 minutes. Twelve of his points came from the free-throw line, including four in the final 8:08.
It’s no secret that the Cavs rely almost exclusively on James and Kyrie Irving during crunch time in half-court offensive situations. But the extent to which they do so at the exclusion of Love is staggering. Of Love’s 17 field goals made against the Pacers in Round 1, none came in the fourth quarter. And while both players logged almost identical minutes in the series, Love took less than half the number of shots (41) as Irving (93).
Love grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds in the series clincher. But he went 2-of-13 from the floor and, for the fourth game in a row, failed to record a steal after tying his career-high in that category during the regular season. At that rate, it won’t be long before the trolls on social media and elsewhere rear their ugly heads again.
Next: Points Allowed Off Turnovers
