Minnesota Timberwolves’ All-Star forward Kevin Love is officially in “beast mode.”
After going for 50, 30 and 28 points in his last three games, the 23-year-old had 40 points and 19 rebounds to lift the T-Wolves past the Charlotte Bobcats, 88-83 on Wednesday night.
While 40 and 19 may not seem like such a big deal to some, it was Love’s 10th game with 30-plus points and 15 or more rebounds, the 19th time he has scored 30 or more this season. It was also the third time he has scored 40 or more points this month.
In his last 10 games Love is averaging 30.5 points and 14.3 rebounds per game.
Fox Sports writes that before the game, Bobcats coach Paul Silas said Love without question should be considered an MVP candidate and his opinion didn’t change after he dominated his young big men Bismack Biyombo and Byron Mullens.
“If he continues to do what he’s doing for a good portion of his career he’s going to be one of the best ever,” Silas said. “He’s just tenacious. That ball goes up and he’s there. And he’s strong… The young boys we have are not ready for that. So that makes it difficult.”
In addition to Love’s stellar performance, Luke Ridnour also had a big night for the Timberwolves, with 15 points and 14 assists. Anthony Tolliver was the only other Wolves player in double figures (11).
As for Charlotte (now 7-14), Corey Maggette had 22 points, and Kemba Walker added 20 for the the team, who lost their fifth straight and remain the only NBA team with fewer than 10 wins this season.
Check out highlights from Kevin Love’s 40-19 performance against the Bobcats via ESPN
