Cavs’ Love optimistic gloom will lift

Associated Press

INDEPENDENCE

Kevin Love relaxed on the beach under the warm Caribbean sun during the All-Star break.

He hopes it finally shines on him and the Cavaliers in the second half of a depressing, gloomy season.

Offering optimism about his future and Cleveland’s, Love returned to the practice floor with his teammates on Wednesday following the league’s annual midseason celebratory interruption.

The five-time All-Star recently came back after missing more than 50 games following foot surgery. He was rested for the Cavs’ final game against Brooklyn — part of his recovery plan — before the break, but Love said he plans to play tonight against Phoenix and intends to build up his minutes over the next few weeks. Cleveland has 24 games left.

“I think you’ll see me more on a steady basis and not miss games after the break, I’m hoping,” said Love, who has played in just two games since November. “So just continue to improve the minutes and make sure that I’m feeling good and go from there.”

With Cleveland’s training staff keeping a diligent eye on him, Love took part in the 5-on-5 scrimmage without any problems and said the only issue now is improving his conditioning. Overall, he’s pleased with his progress and believes the Cavs are close to turning a corner.

The team has been besieged by injuries, but with Love back and forward Tristan Thompson close after missing 13 games with foot soreness, the Cavs are as healthy as they’ve been in months.

There won’t be any playoffs this season, but Love is excited about what the Cavs can accomplish down the stretch.

“Hopefully we’ll have everybody back,” said Love, his arms showing some residual redness from his vacation. “You just have to continue to find motivation and know that there’s a bigger picture involved. And you know, for me, it is tough. It’s the longest I’ve missed consecutively in my whole career but I just gotta find opportunity, find ways to get better.”