Interesting nugget from Jerry Z's notebook today talking about Kevin Love's double-double streak, which is now at 44 games. JZ noted that fans stuck around only long enough to see Love extend the streak in an otherwise lackluster game, hitting the exits with about three minutes remaining. But the really interesting part was this: Love said he knew he was approaching another double-double. His streak dates to a scoreless game against the Lakers on Nov. 19.
"Everybody in the whole crowd was yelling it," he said. "In some ways, I was like, 'OK. I'd love to tie this thing.' But in a lot of ways, I was like, 'I just wish this thing would end so I could go out there and just start playing again.' In some ways, it's become a distraction and in some ways, I just need to get past it. It's part of the maturity process, getting past it and keep playing."
It seems like Love is experiencing The Stress of Both Worlds, much like former guard Troy Hudson. He wants to be known as a team guy who wants to win. But he also clearly is keeping an eye on his stats.
Though we might not be as dubious as Reusse, we have to think Love very much enjoys this streak and the attention that comes with it. Anyone who has seen him jump over the back of a teammate to grab a late rebound knows it's on his mind -- for better or worse. The franchise's best player is right, even if he might not believe what he said. The sooner this streak ends, the better it will be for his focus and overall game. The 44 consecutive double-doubles are nice, but they haven't even yielded double-digit victories (9-35 during the run).
