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TORONTO, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love returned to the court in the team's 87-81 loss to Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening in NBA preseason action.
The 27-year-old forward is coming off a dislocated left shoulder injury sustained in Game 4 of Cleveland's first round playoff series against Boston that required surgery.
"I thought it was fine and I felt really comfortable," said Love following the game in Toronto. "My body felt better than it has in a long time so it was a good first step."
Love saw a total of 12 minutes 36 seconds of action, all in the first half and finished with 6 points and 4 rebounds.
Despite being injured for the entire offseason, Cavaliers general manager David Griffin was confident enough in Love's rehab to sign him to a 5-year maximum contact for 110 million-U.S.-dollars to remain in Cleveland.
Cavaliers head coach David Blatt feels the same way about Love.
"I was extremely pleased with Kevin tonight, he didn't shy away from any contact whatsoever." said Blatt following the loss. "I think physically, he's in really good shape. Has no problem running the court."
Blatt and his coaching staff have one final preseason game against Dallas Mavericks on Monday evening to give Love a chance to build his stamina before the regular season begins on Oct. 27 against Chicago Bulls.
"We're happy to have him back, believe me," said Blatt.
