The Cleveland Cavaliers are a much better team when Kevin Love is healthy and on the floor.
That’s no secret, but New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale explained why Love is so difficult to deal with. The head coach even used the term “matchup nightmare” to describe the power forward.
David Fizdale on the Cavaliers having Kevin Love back in the lineup #NewYorkForever #BeTheFight @EliteSportsNY pic.twitter.com/pQAwZ7y7jR
— Danny Small (@dwsmall8) February 28, 2019
“He’s a matchup nightmare because he can post you, no matter who he’s playing against he can pick and pop, and he’s a great passer,” Fizdale said in his pregame press conference. “He really ignites their breaks obviously. He’s the best outleter in the league. It’s not even close. I just think having that veteran presence, former All-Star presence on the floor, it really settles them and it helps them. He’s kind of their anchor when it comes to that.”
Love’s minutes have been increasing over his last three games. He has posted three straight double-doubles and is looking to build on that success Thursday in Madison Square Garden.
The former All-Star played just under 16 minutes when the Cavs and Knicks met on Feb. 11 in Cleveland. He scored 14 points and collected nine rebounds in that contest. Even though Love was limited, the Cavs were still able to pick up the victory.
With Love looking more comfortable on the court and playing more minutes, Knicks defenders will have their hands full.
