Dwight Howard Becomes First NBA Player to Post 30-30 Since 2010

On Wednesday night, Charlotte Hornets centre Dwight Howard accomplished something that has only been done one other time during the last 36 years.

Grabbing one final rebound at the end of a 111-105 Brooklyn Nets win, Howard ended the game scoring 32 points. He also made an incredible 30 rebounds. He is the only player since 2010 and the second since the 1981-1982 season to post a 30-30 game.

In 2010, Kevin Love, then with the Minnesota Timberwolves, was the last player to accomplish the rare feat. He scored 31 points and grabbed 31 rebounds in a victory over the New York Knicks.

Love Tweeted Wednesday night congratulating Howard for his accomplishment and welcoming him to the rare 30-30 club.

Prior to Love joining the club, Moses Malone was the last one to post a 30-30. He scored 30 points and grabbed 32 boards during one game in 1982.

The huge performance by Howard came during a game when Charlotte rallied from a deficit of 23 points to post a win. With his size, 6-foot-11, Howard held an advantage in the post on Wednesday night. Brooklyn did not have any player on the court during the entire game over 6-foot-8.

Howard said following the game that his inspiration for such a big performance came thanks to friend’s text message.

Dwight Howard explained that he thought his effort and energy had not been where it was needed for the team to win during the first half of play. At halftime, he received a text message from someone that gave him motivation and some additional energy.

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Not only is the accomplishment a rarity for any player, but Howard become the first player who is 30 years of age or older to have a 30-30 game since in 1978 when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar posted one versus the then New Jersey Nets.

Wilt Chamberlain was the last player who was older than Howard to post a 30-30. Chamberlain’s last 30-30 game was when he was 35. Chamberlain posted an NBA record 124 during his career.

Howard said following the game that it was great to have his name mentioned with former greats like Kareem and Wilt as he grew up looking up to both of them.