Following Monday’s practice session in Boston, Cleveland Cavaliers big man Kevin Love spoke to members of the media with regards to his team’s poor play against the Celtics in the first half of Sunday’s Game 1 matchup. The former UCLA standout did not mince words when giving his assessment, referring to Cleveland’s defensive effort as “soft.”
As most hoops fans know, the Cavs were beaten rather soundly (108-83). It all started in the first quarter, when Boston jumped out to a 21-point lead. In the end, Cleveland gave up 60 points in the paint and shot 4-of-26 from beyond the arc (15.4 percent). Furthermore, the Cavs were beaten on the glass by a margin of 54-47.
“I think in the first half we were a little soft,” Love told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin after Monday’s practice. “Just letting a few of their guys get open looks and get a good feel. They’ve been playing extremely well throughout these playoffs. The players have been stepping up for them. We just need to be better at making them feel us.”
Love logged 31 minutes in Sunday’s game, scoring 17 points on 5-14 shooting (1-4 from downtown), eight rebounds and three assists.
Love’s teammate, Tristan Thompson, basically agreed, noting that the Cavs need to “play tougher.”
“I think as a team, 1 through 5, we’ve got to all play tougher,” Thompson said. “Obviously when I check in the game, I’ll try to bring that toughness and that energy. But our starters have got to be ready to throw the first punch. We need them to do that. We need them to be physical and set a tone early. If they do that from opening tip, it makes it easier for the second unit to come in and keep that energy going.”
Speaking of Thompson, who tallied eight points and 11 rebounds off the bench in Game 1… a report issued from ESPN on Monday morning hinted that Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue might consider inserting the 6-10 rebounding machine into the starting lineup for Game 2 (Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. EST). Let’s see if a tougher style of play is indeed the order of the day.