Kevin Love is showing in the ongoing 2015 NBA Playoffs why the Cleveland Cavaliers gave up a lot to trade for him in the offseason, but there are still questions if the All-Star power forward will stay with the Cavs for good.
Love, who was acquired by the Cavaliers in a trade that sent first-overall picks Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett along with a first-round pick to the Timberwolves, was impressive in their first three games in the postseason, which also happened to be his first three playoff games in his entire career.
Love led the Cavaliers to a 103-95 win over the Boston Celtics in game three of their best-of-seven first-round series on Thursday night, knocking down two crucial three-pointers down the stretch to end the comeback bid of Boston.
The 26-year-old forward finished with 23 points on 8-for-16 shooting from the field to go along with nine rebounds and three assists. In the first three games of the series, the former UCLA standout averaged 18.3 points to go along with 9.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists, silencing his critics who have been hitting him since the start of the season.
Love, who could become a free agent when he decides to opt out of his deal after the current season, said he is aware of all the talks about his performances this season, but the seven-year veteran is not worried because he knows his teammates have his back.
"I know that my teammates and the coaching staff has my back and the organization has my back, and I'm sending love right back to them," said Love, who has been linked to several teams that are interested in his services. "Tonight was one of those times where my number was called to step up and to hit a big shot."
Cavaliers superstar LeBron James also praised Love for his performances in the first three games of the series. The four-time Most Valuable Player said that he has never lost trust in Love and he is glad the sweet-shooting forward is showing why Cleveland chased him aggressively last summer.
"I've always believed in him," James said of Love. "I don't really get too involved in what everybody says. I know what type of player he is, what type of competitor he is, and I know he relishes this opportunity to be part of this franchise and be a part of the postseason."
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