Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard was a monster against the Brooklyn Nets, recording 32 points and 30 rebounds. His efforts did not go unnoticed, especially from the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kevin Love who also had a 30-30 game for himself years ago.
It seemed as if Howard’s old monster persona warped into his current body. Brooklyn had no answer to the classic Superman who now wears the Hornets colors, with lanky rookie Jarrett Allen being their best resistance to offer against Howard.
After a string of disappointing seasons, the former Defensive Player of the Year has managed to revitalize his career in Charlotte. He has managed to stay relatively healthy while being a steady presence down low for the Hornets with occasional big games to boot.
It’s only fitting that Love compliments Howard for his accomplishment. While still playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2010, Love was an unstoppable force in the paint, scoring 31 points while grabbing 31 rebounds for himself in a game against the New York Knicks.
Love and Howard are only the two NBA players who can brag about having those gaudy stats in a single game since 1982 after the legendary Moses Malone also recorded a 30-30.
While Howard dominated the Nets, Love wasn’t too shabby himself on Wednesday night during the Cavs’ win over the East-leading Toronto Raptors. In just his second game after recovering from a broken hand, the All-Star power forward amassed 23 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and hit his 1,000th career 3-pointer — a clutch one at that.
Meanwhile, Love must be loving (no pun intended) Howard’s effort to beat the Nets as every defeat suffered by Brooklyn only improves the Cavs’ chances in the upcoming NBA Draft which is considered to be top heavy, giving the Nets pick that much value for Cleveland.