CLEVELAND (AP) – Nearly an hour after the Cavaliers shook off the feisty Philadelphia 76ers for their 11th straight win, forward Kevin Love was still on the floor of an empty, sedate Quicken Loans Arena.
As a few ushers, some curious police officers and maintenance workers watched, Love performed shooting drills with the help of Cavs development coach Phil Handy. Love hoisted mid-range jumpers, step-backs, 3-pointers and free throws, hoping to find a touch that’s been missing throughout much of Cleveland’s recent streak.
“I just wanted to get some extra shots up,” Love said following the workout late Monday night.
He certainly didn’t get many up during the Cavs’ 97-84 win. After going 1 of 7 in the first quarter, Love didn’t attempt another shot and finished with a season-low 5 points in 32 minutes. He contributed in other ways with 15 rebounds, two assists and a block, but Love’s lack of scoring opportunities was alarming.
“That shouldn’t happen,” Cavs coach David Blatt said. “Absolutely shouldn’t happen.”