Kevin Love’s stunning 31 rebound game last week helped boost his per game average to 14.3, best in the NBA. For decades the NBA’s leading rebounders have averaged in the 15 per game range. That’s down from the 1950s and 1960s when Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell set records that appear unbreakable.
Chamberlain averaged a record 27.2 rebounds during the 1960-61 season and he had a league record 55 rebounds in one game. Chamberlain averaged 22.9 rebounds per game during his career and 11 times led the NBA in rebounding. Love had 22 rebounds in the second half of his game against New York last week. Russell holds the NBA record for most rebounds in a half, 32 in 1957.
A friend emailed he’s debating whether Love’s 31 rebound, 31 point game was the best individual performance he’s seen. In his debate, too, is Adrian Peterson’s single game NFL rushing record of 296 yards. What’s the most memorable performance on your list?
Mario Lucia, son of Gophers hockey coach Don Lucia, is a junior at Wayzata High School who continues to impress scouts. The younger Lucia returned home this week after playing for the United States Under-18 national team and he’s been described as the state’s best prep by NHL Central scouting.
Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom, center Mikko Koivu and defenseman Marek Zidlicky are on the NHL All-Star ballot and fan voting began on Monday. Voting is available via NHL.com and Facebook (facebook.com/NHL).
Wild defenseman Brent Burns, suspended for two games without pay for his stick incident with Florida’s Steve Bernier last week, is eligible to return on Friday at Detroit. Burns will forfeit $38,172.04, with the money going to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Eric Butorac’s Minnesota Tennis Challenge is Sunday, December 5 at the Fred Wells Tennis & Education Center. The event features Mike and Bob Bryan, the 2010 US Open doubles champions. Ticket and event information: www.ebmntc.com.
WCCO TV’s Don Shelby, who is retiring next week, has long been a passionate basketball fan. He emceed the Mr. Basketball banquets for more than 20 years.