NBA Finals 2017: 5 potential x-factors who could swing the series

By Noah Torr | May 31, 2017

May 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) celebrates with Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) after the second round of game four of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

5 of 5

Kevin Love 2017 NBA Finals MVP candidate

May 21, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) reacts after a three-pointer during the first half against the Boston Celtics in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Kevin Love

It’s about time Love found his groove and couldn’t have found it at a better time because the Cavs are trying to dance their way to another Finals victory.

What exactly happened to Love, though? In his first year with the Cavs he was injured in the playoffs. Last season, he spent most of his time sitting in the corner and struggled mightily with his shot in the Finals. But he came through in one of the biggest moments of Game 7 last year, when he played fantastic defense on Steph Curry on a key possession.

But it seems that Love finally found himself. In his last nine games (five against Boston and four against Toronto) he is scoring 16.6 points per game and getting 11.8 rebounds per game. If Love continues to hit his shots and fight for rebounds, he will be a problem for Golden State.

Next: Power Ranking NBA Finals MVP scenarios

The Finals are here baby. And it’s time to celebrate.

Home/Cleveland Cavaliers