Kevin Love has struggled in his NBA career.
But the Minnesota forward has endured few nights like Monday night, when he hit only 3 of his 16 shots in a putrid performance in the Timberwolves’ 97-87 loss at Toronto.
Love missed on 13 of his 16 shots as the Timberwolves lost their 14th in their last 15 games against the Raptors.
“It felt like there was a cap on the rim at some point,” Love told the Associated press after the game. “I remember (missing) a reverse layup and looking at it like `You’ve got to be kidding me.”’
His night was worsened by five foul shots in 10 attempts that caught the attention of Minnesota coach Rick Adelman.
“(Love) just didn’t look like he had the energy he needed tonight,” Adelman said. “He’s going to have games like that. He missed five free throws and that’s really uncharacteristic.”
Love’s night topped those who struggled across the league Monday night and others who had better nights.
STUDS:
Toronto F Andrea Bargnani: Went for 31 points and nine rebounds and was plus-9 in the Raptors’ victory over Minnesota.
Atlanta F Josh Smth: Notched 26 points, six rebounds, four rebounds, three steals and was plus-7 in the Hawks’ conquest at New Jersey.
New York F Amare Stoudemire: Tallied 25 points and 12 rebounds in the Knicks’ victory over Charlotte.
Chicago F Carlos Boozer: Muscled for 23 points and eight rebounds and was plus-8 in their victory over Detroit.
New Orleans F Carl Landry: Notched 21 points and was plus-29 in the Hornets’ victory at Denver.
Philadelphia F Andre Iguodala: Produced 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists and was plus-10 in the 76ers’ victory over Indiana.
Charlotte F Boris Diaw: Filled the stat sheet with 19 ponts, 10 rebounds, seven assists in the Bobcats’ loss to New York.
New Jersey G Deron Williams: Notched 15 points and 14 assists in the Nets’ loss to Atlanta.
DUDS:
Minnesota F Kevin Love: Went 3 for 16 from the floor and was minus-20 in the Timbewolves’ loss to Toronto.
Indiana’s starting backcourt: Paul George and Darren Collison combined to clank through a 6-for-27 shooting effort with seven turnovers and were a minus-14 in the Pacers’ loss to Philadelphia.
Charlotte G D.J. Augustin: Struggled through a 4-for-13 shooting night with three turnovers in the Bobcats’ loss to New York.
Detroit G Jason Maxiell: Went 1-for-12 from the field and was minus-8 in the Pistons’ loss to Chicago.
Denver G Andre Miller: Clanked through an 0-for-5 shooting night and was minus-13 in the Nuggets’ loss to New Orleans.