Links to the Present: “Ohio Lookin’ and Playin’ the Part” Edition

Its pretty evident that the “Big Three” have been doing their thing so far this season. LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and, in particular, Kevin Love  have been a huge part in the Cavaliers 13-2 record with help from the rest of the championship squad.

From three after three from K-Love, drives and dunks from LeBron and the magical-looking reverse lay-ups from Kyrie, over the past two games against the Trail Blazers and Mavericks, the Cavs look like one of the NBA’s best teams. Now I know that it’s still early, but c’mon — after a phenomenal performance from Love against Portland and a blowout against Dallas, Cavs fans have every right to be thankful for the way this team is playing.

Against the Trail Blazers, Love made 12 of 20 shots in all, including 8 of 12 3-pointers, and recorded his first 40-point game since April 14, 2014 with Minnesota. He even passed LeBron’s highest scoring quarter of 25 points. I like the confidence Love is playing with. Right now, he’s straight balling.

“It’s great,” James said, of Love’s play on Wednesday. “I mean, I’ve always loved seeing my teammates catch one of those moments right there and just try to keep him in that zone as much as possible. I went over and told him just whatever you’re doing, wherever you’re at right now, just stay right there. Stay even keel. Whatever you’re thinking about right there, just stay there, because we’re going to keep coming to you.”

Not only did LeBron mark his 44th triple-double against Portland but he also reached his 1,000th regular season game last night against Dallas.

But it’s not just the big names who are getting it done for the Cavs right now. Both Channing Frye — who unfortunately just lost both of his parents in the span of almost a month —  and Iman Shumpert have been playing extremely well off the bench.

In other links…

•What’s also nice and smooth are the new cleats Ohio State Buckeye players will be wearing for the game against Michigan today at noon in Columbus.

The Buckeyes have a new cleat for this week's game. And we have the quickstrike sneaker version. Release details to follow. pic.twitter.com/vgNAif3DyR

— Sole Classics (@SoleClassics) November 22, 2016

These cleats are pretty sweet because they are the replica football version of LeBron’s Soldier 10s basketball shoe, which he actually gave as a gift to the OSU basketball team recently as well.

What’s pretty funny is that Michigan will also be wearing a great’s shoe on the field as cleats for the game. This can either be a rivalry battle of Ohio vs. Michigan or a battle between two of the NBA’s all-time best: LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan.

It is pretty awesome that LeBron can give football players a piece of him on the field and off of the court for a change, especially after Nike also recently just started selling James’ No. 23 jersey on Ohio State football jerseys. 

•Turn Back the Clock, Turn Up the Orange! The Cavs are taking it back to the 80’s as they go #ALLinORANGE for SIX Hardwood Classics Nights.

•LeBron James meets Hamilton in mashup video. CtB’s resident theatricals, Robert and Ben, must be kicking themselves for not getting to this one first.

•NBA PREDICTIONS: Cavs don’t make NBA Finals; Westbrook MVP. Can’t say I agree with that one.