Cleveland Cavaliers: Looking back at Kevin Love’s accomplishments
By Samuel Baum
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kevin Love has received a lot of hate the last few seasons, and many forget how skilled and accomplished the big man is.
Kevin Love is fresh off a contract extension worth $120 million which is spread out over four seasons. Looking at the career of Kevin Love, we see a player full of accomplishments and accolades.
Love actually holds some records the average fan might not be aware of. That said, let’s get into a few of those and when they took place.
No. 1: Kevin Love holds the NBA record for the most points in the first quarter.
Kevin Love had 34 points against the Portland Trailblazers, which at the time matched the most points he had in an entire game since he joined the Cavs. Love shot 11-14 from the field and 8-10 from three-point land which is spectacular for anyone in any game much less in a quarter.
Love stunned the entire league as he set the record for most points in the first quarter.
No. 2: Kevin Love is the first NBA player to win his first 12 postseason games as a starter
It started with his first year in the Cleveland the 2014-2015 season till he got injured against the Boston Celtics and continued the next year when he was healthy.
No. 3: Kevin Love holds the record for the most consecutive double-doubles in NBA history
Kevin Love set this record with 53 double-doubles in a row, and it is a record that may never be touched. Even Westbrook who averaged a triple-double didn’t come close to Love’s record. However, Wilt Chamberlin, who had streaks of 227, 220 and 133, is the highest if you include the NBA/ABA prior to the two league’s merging.
No. 4: Only NBA player ever with 2,000 points, 900 rebounds, and 150 three-pointers in a season.
This accomplishment just speaks volumes about how good of a shooter and scorer Love is as a big man. In a league where versatility is huge, it is impressive that no one else has close to breaking the record. Karl-Anthony Towns was 49 threes shy of breaking into the club in the 2016-2017 season.
No. 5: Kevin Love is the first NBA player with 1000 three-pointers and a ten rebounds per game average.
Since Kevin Love will be the only star this season, it will be interesting if he could break any more records this year. He is in the prime of his career, and the opportunity to shine.