Kevin Love made a bold statement after his monster game Monday night.
“This is my time right now,” Love told the Associated Press after his flip shot with 43 seconds left ended up providing the margin in Minnesota’s 95-94 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
The shot punctuated Love’s huge game, which included 39 points, 17 rebounds and five 3-pointers.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Love is the first player in NBA history to record consecutive games of at least 35 points and 10 rebounds, making at least five 3-pointers in each game. He is averaging 40.5 points in those two games.
“You have to have confidence that you are going to get what you want,” Minnesota coach Rick Adelman told the AP. “But the great thing about him is he gets what he wants and he’s such a good free throw shooter that it all adds up.”
It helped him lead Monday’s Studs and Duds of the NBA’s top statistical performers last night.
STUDS
Minnesota F Kevin Love: Notched 39 points, 17 rebounds, two assists and was plus-8 in the Timberwolves’ victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Orlando C Dwight Howard: Produced 36 points, 13 rebounds, two blocks and was plus-6 in the Magic’s victory at Toronto.
Milwaukee G Brandon Jennings: Notched 33 points, seven assists, four rebounds, two steals and was plus-5 in the Bucks’ victory over Philadelphia.
Utah F Al Jefferson: Went for 25 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and was tied for team honors with plus-16 in the Jazz’s victory at Cleveland.
Denver G Ty Lawson: Had his second big game in two nights with 16 points, seven rebounds, 13 assists and two steals in the Nuggets’ overtime triumph over Sacramento.
DUDS
Los Angeles Clippers F Caron Butler: Missed all six field goal attempts with a turnover and was minus-1 in the Clippers’ loss at Minnesota.
Minnesota G J.J. Barea: Missed all seven field goal attempts with two turnovers and was minus-3 in the Timberwolves’ victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Oklahoma City F Kevin Durant: Scored 22 points, but went 6 of 18 from the field with seven turnovers in the Thunder’s victory over Dallas.
New Orleans C Chris Kaman: Went 4 of 13 from the field with four turnovers and was minus-10 in the Hornets’ loss at Portland.
Washington G Jordan Crawford: Clanked through a 2-for-13 shooting night with three turnovers and was minus-3 in the Wizards’ loss to Golden State.