Love returns from 13-game absence vs. Jazz

Kevin Love returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers' lineup for the first time in over a month Thursday night against the Utah Jazz.

Love was on lockdown since undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Feb. 14, missing the past 13 games. His return came well ahead of schedule, as he was expected to miss six weeks after the procedure.

Before suffering the injury, Love was enjoying his best season as a Cavalier, averaging 20 points and 11.1 rebounds, shooting 38.4 percent from 3-point range, and showing dramatic improvement in his pick-and-roll defense.

The Cavs' offense has actually managed fine without him, but their defense has cratered as their frontcourt has been stretched thin. Cleveland's gone 7-6 during his absence, is 10-9 without him for the season, and has been nearly 11 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor.

The Cavs have been mired in a bit of a malaise since the All-Star break, but they still have a two-game cushion for top spot in the Eastern Conference. And with J.R. Smith and now Love back in the fray, and Kyle Korver apparently not far off, they're about to become whole for the stretch run.