Kevin Love’s return to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ rotation is already paying huge dividends, and Cavs head coach Larry Drew sees one specific sign of that.
Following Cleveland’s 112-107 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, Drew recognized that Love’s return to the court has helped youngsters Cedi Osman and Collin Sexton.
Drew believes "it's pretty clear" that Kevin Love has given Collin Sexton and Cedi Osman a boost. Senses a real camaraderie between the three on the floor together. #Cavs
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) February 24, 2019
It’s hard to argue with Drew’s assertion when looking at the numbers. In the Cavs’ first game back from the All-Star break, Osman served as the team’s leading scorer with 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Love was the second leading scorer with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
In Saturday’s win over Memphis, Sexton was the Cavs’ second leading scorer behind Love. Sexton finished with 20 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Love finished with a monstrous 32 points and 12 rebounds despite playing just 26 minutes.
Love’s connection with these players despite playing few minutes together this season might be thanks to their positions. At the height of the Cavs’ powers in the last half decade, Love was used to playing alongside two transcendent talents with Kyrie Irving at the point guard position and LeBron James at the small forward position.
Those two positions just happen to be the two that Sexton and Osman currently start at.
Since Love’s return, the Cavs have seemed like a truly different team. Hopefully, they are able to finish the 2018-19 season strong to propel towards a more successful 2019-20 season.
Whatever success does come in the future, it will likely be on the backs of Love, Sexton, and Osman.
