The Cleveland Cavaliers currently hold the NBA longest winning streak at 11-games and seem to have hit their stride but they haven’t figure out how to help Kevin Love become more efficient. According to ESPN.com, Love finished Monday’s game with a season low 5-points after shooting 1-7 in the first quarter. The more interesting thing about this game was that he did not have a shot attempt after the first quarter. LeBron was asked about Love’s performance and shared these thoughts:
I think Kev had some shots that he passed up on, Maybe he felt that he just wasn’t in a good rhythm, but I know I hit him with a few [potential] shots after the first quarter where he had some good looks when he decided to swing-swing [with a pass], which is OK, it kept the ball moving. So, I think for Kev, I think his confidence maybe shooting the ball is a little down, but for me as a player, I get him good looks. I want him to shoot the ball and he needs to shoot it with confidence.
Kevin Love has to agree with LeBron to some extent but he took a different approach during his interview when asked about his scoring:
I think I obviously definitely could be [scoring more]. I’ve had my share of big games in this league and made a significant impact scoring the ball. But I’m just doing what’s being asked of me right now and playing where I’m being asked to play. And we’ve won 11 games in a row so I’m going to continue to [play that role]. That’s just how it is right now.
Kevin Love’s statement leaves you wondering how happy or unhappy he maybe with the current role he is asked to play. They have won 11-games in a row which makes it difficult for Love to complain verses just accept his role. Love finished the game with 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and 1 steal to go along with his season low 5 point and decided to take part in shooting drills after the game with Coach Phil Handy.
Love’s scoring this season is down to 16.9 points per game, almost 10 points lower than last years average of 26.1 per game.