Miami Heat's Kevin Love Provides Blast From Past In Sunday's Victory Against Milwaukee Bucks

Miami Heat forward Kevin Love was one of the NBA's top players at one point in his career.

Age and injuries caught up to him but Love can revert to the old days every now and then. He proved that Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of their first-round series.

Love had 18 points and eight rebounds, helping the Heat grab a 1-0 lead in the best-of-7 series.

"You can just never underestimate the decorated, veteran experience of guys that have been proven winners and that's what Kevin brought us," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "... There was a calmness to him, a competitive fire to him."

Love was the X-factor in the victory. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo were their usual selves, combining for 57 points. The Heat needed a third scoring threat once Tyler Herro left the game after breaking his right hand in the first half.

"We've all seen K-Love locked in and hit clutch shots in some of the biggest moments in his playoff career," Adebayo said. "For us, he just brings another savvy vet whose been through these experiences, who been through this type of grind."

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Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat.

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