On Monday night, Kevin Love recorded his 51st straight double-double, tying the record of all-time great Moses Malone. However, Love's not getting the appreciation he deserves.
Love may lack the greatness of Malone, and he may have snuck his way into the All-Star Game this year, but he was the fifth overall pick in the 2008 draft and is averaging 20.9 points and a league-leading 15.8 rebounds per game. However, he plays for the 15-50 Minnesota Timberwolves, who currently have a three-game losing streak, and basketball streaks are not held with the same regard as those in other sports.
Last year in baseball, people raved about both Josh Hamilton's and Buster Posey's hit streaks of 23 and 21 games, respectively, as well as Jorge Cantu's streak of 10 straight games with an RBI. Although these are minor streaks compared to Joe Dimaggio's 56-game hitting streak, none deserve more recognition than Love's double-double streak.
People hype up hit streaks that break 20 games not only because the Dimaggio streak has remained untouched since 1941, but also because he's one of the best hitters of all time and played for a historically successful team, the New York Yankees.
In 2003, Kobe Bryant recorded nine straight 40-point games. He got recognition, but so did Carlos Pena, who hit a home run in six straight games, two shy of the record. It's not easy to hit a 97-mph fastball out of the park, but it's not exactly a cakewalk to drop 40 in an NBA game. Nevertheless, homers get the hype, while impressive basketball feats often get overlooked.
Does that mean Love's streak compares to Dimaggio's? Not exactly, but it at least deserves to be ranked among all-time streaks across the four major sports.
ESPN's Stuart Scott pointed out that Love deserves more attention.
"big ups to kevin love. 51 strght doubl-doubl's. Most underrated stat of year. He aint doin it w 12pts and 10 rbs..dude's rollin w 20-20's," Scott tweeted on Tuesday.
On Wednesday night, Love will be playing against the Pacers, looking for his 52nd straight double-double. Whether he breaks it or not, the humble 22-year-old deserves more love.
Is Kevin Love getting enough attention for his accomplishment? Share your thoughts below.
