The 24-9 Cleveland Cavaliers are missing some key players, but they continue to pile up wins. LeBron James has been playing so well to at least be in MVP conversations, while several other players have been stepping up for the Cavs. Among them is Kevin Love, who’s become Cleveland’s second-best player with Kyrie Irving now donning a different uniform.
James and Love are putting the Cavs on their shoulders, and how well they play almost always dictate the outcome of a game for Cleveland. According to NBA.com, the Cavs are 18-0 in non-playoff games whenever James and Love each put up at least 25 points.
Both players kept that slate clean Thursday with LeBron James dropping 34 points during a 115-112 home win over the Chicago Bulls. Kevin Love, meanwhile, added 27 points to help the Cavs stop Chicago’s hot seven-game win streak.
A huge challenge awaits James and Love this Monday, as they will share the court with nemesis Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena for a Finals rematch.
On the season, LeBron James is averaging 28.2 points, 9.3 assists, and 8.3 rebounds per game. As for Kevin Love, the power forward is recording 19.5 points and 10.2 rebounds each contest.