After a solid first two seasons in the NBA, Kevin Love raised his game to an even higher level in his third year, recording career highs across the board, and establishing himself as one of the rising stars of the league that time.
The former UCLA star notched 53 consecutive double-doubles, which is the longest in NBA history. However, what many do not know was he had his worst game before starting that incredible streak. Love was inspired to play better, and not to be held scoreless again, according to user Ih8reposts on the NBA’s Reddit.
“11/19/2010: Kevin Love is held to 0 points on 0/7 shooting against the Los Angeles Lakers in 34 minutes. He then followed that up with 53 straight double-doubles, and what still stands as the longest recorded double-double streak in NBA history.”
During the 2010-11 season, the now Cleveland Cavaliers star forward averaged 20.2 points, on 47 percent shooting from the field, to go along with 15.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 35.8 minutes for the Minnesota Timberwolves. It can also be recalled that he entered that season losing a lot of weight, which is a testament to how he wanted to improve himself physically as well.
Since then, Love has been named an All-Star four-times, and became part of the All-NBA Second Team twice. He also won the Most Improved Player Award in 2011, before landing with the Cavs three years after, and winning an NBA title in 2016.
With all the achievements he’s had in his pro career, the dud game he had versus the Lakers in 2010 can now be considered a blessing in disguise, as it started a strong run for him, which allowed him to be where he is now.
