Kevin Love Told Cavs Teammates Not to ‘F— This Up’ During Last Night’s Game

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love’s left Saturday night’s game during a tight match in the fourth quarter because of a minutes restriction placed on him by the team’s training staff.

As he left the game, he apparently offered some pointed advice to his teammates, who went on to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies, 112-107.

Following the game, Love explained what he told those teammates when he left midway through the final period:

“I said, ‘That’s all I got tonight, so don’t F this up.’”

Regardless of whether or not the remark was said in a joking fashion, the rebuilding Cavaliers followed his advice to come away with their second-straight win.

Love was playing in only his fourth contest since returning from a toe injury and surgery that had forced him to miss 50 games. He’s been under a minutes restriction to ease him back into the lineup, with Saturday’s game limiting him to 25 minutes.

In truth, Love went slightly over that amount, playing for 26 minutes. However, during that time on the court, he delivered the type of game that was standard prior to his injury. The veteran notched a double-double with 32 points and 12 rebounds, including six 3-point baskets.

In addition, he played during the fourth quarter for the first time since returning to action.

Love had previously indicated that he wasn’t planning to sit out any more games for the remainder of the season. The Cavaliers will next be in action on Monday night, when they host the Portland Trail Blazers.