Shot at Love could backfire for Cavs' Blatt

Cavaliers coach Dave Blatt, frustrated by his team's five-game losing streak, responded to a question about Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love by saying, "Kevin's not a max player yet, is he?"

Whether he was talking about Love's contract (he is, in fact, a max player), his talent or his effort, Blatt's comments don't figure to sit well with a player like Love. For as talented as he is, Love always seems to be playing as though he's battling a perception that he's not worthy of star status. It irked him in Minnesota, and if Blatt is trying to push Love's buttons, that's not the one to push.

advanced stats Looking for some deeper numbers on the Wild? Check out war-on-ice.com. It will reinforce that goaltending is a huge problem.

an honor The Suns' Gerald Green is missing part of his right ring finger from a childhood accident. The team made a four-fingered foam hand for fans.