Headband-wearing Kevin Love plays well, feels good after preseason debut (video)

In his first game action since his shoulder injury in the first round of the 2015 playoffs against the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love returned to the court for the Cavs preseason game against the Raptors in Toronto Sunday night. Love, who started the game, didn’t have to wait long for his injured shoulder to be tested. During the first play of the game, Love’s shoulder was hit, but the power forward said that he still felt great.

“That was a good thing and a bad thing,” Love said of being hit early. “It’s been tested a number of times in practice, I keep working on the strength. I’m sure there’ll be a few scares here and there but that’s kind of mentally just getting over the hump a little bit. I feel great.”

While his shot may have been a bit rusty following his six-month recovery from his separated shoulder, Love had two superb behind-the-back passes, one of which was to Mo Williams for a three-pointer…

https://vine.co/v/e9rEH5WwEPM/embed

…and one of which set up Anderson Varejao for a layup.

Love finished with six points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block. He shot 2-of-7 from the floor in 13 minutes. Head coach David Blatt said that No. 0 will start the Cavaliers’ preseason finale Monday night against Dallas, back in Quicken Loans Arena.

“I thought he looked great,” Blatt said of Love. “I’m not surprised. He’s ready to play and we’re happy to have him back, believe me.”

While he will get the start, Love also hopes that he will get more playing time in order to test his shoulder even more.

“Tomorrow I assume that I’ll play more,” Love said.

Amidst the Cavs’ preseason injuries and off-court issues, it was a welcome sight to see one All-Star back on the court. It’s even better that Love is feeling well following his first live game action since April.