Lue to keep starting Love at center vs. Raptors: 'Open shots all night'

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue will continue using Kevin Love at center, despite struggling in the team's Game 1 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

"Whatever is good for the team is what we're going to do," Lue said, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "I think it spreads the floor out for us. (Jonas) Valanciunas is going to go to help and try to block shots. Kevin is going to have open shots all night, so, whatever is best for the team is what we're going to do."

Love has struggled to produce this postseason, averaging a measly 10.9 points on 31.9 percent shooting, and is still hoping for a breakout performance. He finished Tuesday's game with seven points, hitting just three of 13 shots.

However, the Cavaliers won their last two regular-season games against the Raptors with the five-time All-Star starting in the middle, averaging 20.5 points and 13.5 rebounds.

"We played Toronto twice, right? And he played the five, right?" Lue asked. "We need Kevin to play the five for the spacing and I think it helps us offensively. And showing the tape and the film this morning with what we showed the guys, their bigs are coming to help. So when J.R. (Smith) drives or Bron (LeBron James) drives or (George) Hill drives, their bigs are coming so we're going to have open shots on the perimeter. We just have to knock them down."

Love getting the nod at center means Tristan Thompson will continue to come off the bench, despite finishing with 14 points and 12 rebounds Tuesday - his second consecutive postseason double-double.