The significance of his role is so misunderstood by fans and some analysts.
Kevin Love represents a geniune 'stretch 5', his ability to play as a stretch 5 is the reason why they were able to succeed against the Golden State Warriors. He sacrificed half his entire game, which went with obvious ridicule from the public, so that the Cleveland Cavaliers could win. It is unclear whether this adjustment of Kevin Love playing as a Stretch 5 is deliberate or an accident.
Everyone focused on his stats, but did not focus on the fact that he basically stayed out of the middle which created driving lanes. This led to the percentages going Cleveland's way; the first rule of basketball is that the closer you are to the basket, the easier it is to score.
Kevin chose not to score, which meant Kyrie could!
Game 6, the significant players today will again be Kevin Love and JR Smith. Its rare with adjustments that you can be beaten the same way twice. The adjustments for the Warriors should be the intermittent use of zones (match up). 2,1,2/3,2/2,3/1,3,1 all of these zones would cause Cleveland problems. Draymond Green playing the middle in a 3,2 zone could be ICE COLD. If this adjustment is not recognized Kevin Love as a stretch 5 is irrelevant. Kevin is a better shooter than LeBron James, his shooting can see them through.
Kevin's return to the block could also help the outside shooting for JR Smith and Kyrie Irving.
Cleveland fans do not sleep on the significance of Kevin Love's contribution without contributing. His self sacrifice is more signicant than the big two's. Kevin is the Bishop on this chess but he can move like a knight.
