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2017 NBA Finals: 5 things to watch for ahead of Game 1

By Evan Dyal

June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 23, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) rebounds in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) rebounds in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Love

Yes, Kevin Love is so important in this series, that he gets his own section. Love’s time in Cleveland has been a roller coaster, but now he is playing his best basketball since he put on a Cavs uniform.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, he averaged 22 and 12, by far his best series as a Cavalier. However, in last year’s NBA Finals he was injured, and limited. Richard Jefferson got a lot of his minutes. This is because Golden State is a very tough matchup for Love. His defense is better than people give him credit for, but he still can struggle at times defending in space.

In last year’s Finals, he only averaged seven points and six rebounds in 22 minutes. That won’t cut it this year.

Love will be a big part of the battle of the boards. He needs to limit the Warriors second-chance points, and be selective of chasing offensive boards. Love not only needs to rebound, but he needs to hit threes. If he were also able to post up Draymond and get him in foul trouble that would be beyond huge for the Cavs.

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