INDEPENDENCE, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 27: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 27, 2021 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Longtime Cleveland Cavaliers big man Kevin Love made a beautiful full-court outlet assist that went for 70 feet and 2 points against the Dallas Mavericks.
Kevin Love hasn’t had an easy time of it as the veteran face of the Cavaliers franchise. Once LeBron James departed for Los Angeles, Love embraced the title of face of the franchise.
In the seasons since then, Love hasn’t delivered as expected as the Cavaliers’ big man who once brought the team a 2016 NBA Championship. The 2021 season has been markedly different, as Love has transitioned into an offensive hub of sorts from the bench squad.
While Love only played 17 minutes in the Cavaliers’ Nov. 29 game versus the Dallas Mavericks, Love flashed his brilliance in a magnificent full-court assist that traveled 70 feet to Darius Garland for a quick 2-point basket.
Kevin Love outlet passes aren’t a thing of the past just yet
Despite the limited minutes, Love made a difference on the court, scoring 10 points, five rebounds and three assists against Dallas. He also made three of four field goals and both of his 3-point shots, making him an efficient shooter when on the court relieving Lauri Markkanen.
Even if he’s not the prime contributor he once was for the Cavs, the outlet passing that NBA Twitter and analysts have fawned over for years is clearly still in the tank.
The Cavaliers are currently 11-10, a middling record that puts them ninth in the Eastern Conference as December approaches. But the renewed utilization of Love, combined with Ricky Rubio, Garland and returning Evan Mobley, makes for a Cavs offense that won’t stall or stagnate.
The recent return of Mobley has been key — Cleveland lost five in a row without him — but every player counts, including Love’s full-court assist for an easy two.