Dwight Howard's Statement Game and the Top 20 NBA Performances This Year

It seems the superstars in the NBA have the ability to raise their game to another level when the occasion calls for a big performance.

That was apparent as we saw Dwight Howard go for 40 points and 15 rebounds in a 111-88 victory over the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. The breakout came after his team just lost at home to a Tyreke Evans-less Sacramento Kings team, spurring Howard to challenge the efforts of his teammates.

Orlando's big man was definitely playing with a chip on his shoulder on Friday. It was a spectacular performance by Howard as he dominated both ends of the floor.

But how does his performance rank among the biggest around the league this year? Let's count down the top 20 single-night performances of this season before Howard's big night.

Sorry, I'm not going to list big games in defeats. (That includes Carmelo Anthony's 50 in a loss vs. Houston...doesn't cut it if the effort was in vain.)

21. Kobe Posts a Triple-Double to Lead the Lakers over the Kings

Nov. 3, 2010

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings

Kobe went for 30/10/12 while shooting 9-of-22 from the field and 9-of-10 from the line.

I'm sorry, but as a Laker homer, I couldn't put up a list and exclude this guy from it.  So let me just get this out of the way and list it at 21st and an honorable mention.  It would probably crack the Top 20 but Kobe shot 40 percent from the field that night.

Probably not a night to be too proud of in terms of big games Kobe has in his career, but nonetheless it was a triple-double at Arco Arena.  The Kings always get up to play their heated rivals when they come into town, and this night wasn't an exception.  However, the Black Mamba had his whole arsenal on display and put this game away early.

It always seems the Lakers are better when Kobe decides to bring his whole game instead of just scoring in bunches, that's why this game was one of more impressive performances turned in by Bryant this year. 

20. Tyreke Evans' Hail Mary from Half Court

Dec. 29, 2010

Sacramento Kings vs. Memphis Grizzlies

He goes for 21 points on 8-of-17 shooting and nothing much else.  It wasn't a spectacular performance in an unspectacular season for the Kings' star sophomore. But what stands out in this game is how it ended.

The Kings were losers of 16 of their previous 17 games, bad enough to be the worst in the NBA at the time. They were down by one to the Grizzlies after O.J. Mayo hits what was suppose be the game-winner with 1.5 seconds left in the game.  DeMarcus Cousins inbounds to Evans and he buries the Hail Mary from behind the half-court line to win the game.  It was Devin Harris-like, one of the craziest game-winners in recent memory.

What followed was confetti falling and Evans jumping on the scorer's table with one of those Dwyane Wade, "This is my house!" moments (which Evans botched as he almost fell).

The reigning Rookie of the Year has had a dismal sophomore season being bothered by foot injuries.  But if this night was an example of what's to come in Tyreke's future, Kings fans should be excited.   

19. Dirk's Double-Double Denies Detroit in Dallas

Nov. 5, 2010

Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons

Dirk Nowitzki went for 42 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks.

The Dallas Mavericks are again on pace to win 50 games this season, a streak that started 10 years ago. This season is no different.  The team's currently second in the Western Conference thanks to their ever-consistent former MVP Dirk Nowitzki.  

On Nov. 5, he posted his season high in points with 42 while mounting a comeback against the Pistons to lead his team to a four-point victory.  For whatever the reason, Detroit decided to bring it against the Mavs that night by taking a five-point lead into the fourth quarter.  The occasion called for another classic fourth quarter performance by Dirk as he scored 15 points in the final period.

The Mavs have arguably the deepest team in the NBA, and are usually able to play 10-deep in their rotation. However, the team was nothing without Dirk at the helm as they went 2-7 during a nine-game stretch when Dirk was sidelined with an injury.    

18. Houston's Got a Problem

Dec. 29, 2010

Miami Heat vs. Houston Rockets

Wade goes for 45 points, seven rebounds and two steals, shooting better than 70 percent from the floor and making all 10 of his free throws.

So how do you top scoring 40 against New York?  How about scoring 45 against Houston the next night? That's exactly what he did.  He was on fire, hitting from all cylinders.  He even took a shot to the face from Aaron Brooks but that didn't stop him from going off and posting his season high.

This would've been ranked higher, but it's Dwayne Wade against the Rockets who had Kevin Martin defending him.  On top of that, he had six turnovers.

17. Monta Ellis Goes for 46 in 1st Game of the Season

Oct. 27, 2010

Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets

Monta went for 46 points (tying his career high).

Monta starts the season with style as he goes for 46 while shooting 75 percent from the field.  When Monta's in that zone, there is nothing more beautiful to watch.  And there's nobody in the league that can guard this guy when he's that hot.  

The 6'3" shooting guard had his whole offensive arsenal on display that night.  He tallied 18 field goals while hitting a wide range of difficult shots from the inside as well as out.  He goes for 11 in the fourth as his team narrowly escapes with a four-point victory in the first game of the Warriors season. 

Along with LaMarcus Aldridge and Steve Nash, Monta was an All-Star snub this season, which has to do with the crowded backcourt in the Western Conference and the losing record of his team.  With the trade of Deron Williams to the East, I'm hoping we'll see Monta in his first All-Star game in the 2012 season.

16. Howard's Redemption

Feb. 26, 2011

Orlando Magic vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Dwight Howard went for 40 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks.

The big man was probably a little upset when his team lost to the Kings three days earlier at home.  Or maybe he was a little worried that his team might not have home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.  Or he's growing a little frustrated that his team didn't acquire some front-line help during the trade deadline.  

For whatever reason, Howard took it out on the Oklahoma City Thunder's thin front line on Friday night to the tune of 40 points (tying his season high), 15 rebounds and six blocks, while shooting 80 percent from the field and 66 percent from the charity stripe.  He did whatever he wanted to do in the paint, catching lob passes, hooking in shots, using the glass and really displayed some underrated post moves that he's been working on during the offseason.

He was a man possessed.  His dominating performance came after he publicly criticized his teammates for their lack of effort.  He was able to secure the 23-point victory for his team over a decent Thunder squad.   

15. Steve Nash Was Simply Perfect against the Wizards

Dec. 5, 2010,

Phoenix Suns vs. Washington Wizards

Steve Nash scores 20 and dishes out 17 dimes.

It was a battle of point guards—Steve went against John Wall.  The old dog had a few tricks up his sleeve, as he wasn't ready to hand over the mantle.  

Just another double-double in this guy's long list of them.  But this one was a little more special as he didn't miss at all.  He made all eight of his shots from the field, which included one from downtown.  He also made all three of his free throws.  Aside from a perfect night from the field, he also dished out 17 assists and grabbed three rebounds as he led him team to a 125-108 victory over the Wizards.  

The only blemish of his perfect night was the two turnovers he committed.  But we won't hold that against Steve.

14. Jamison's Big Night Ends the Streak

Feb. 11, 2011

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Antawn Jamison goes for 35 points and nine rebounds, going 11-of-20 from the field.

Jamison is probably the only bright spot for the 2010-2011 Cleveland Cavaliers. The post-LeBron season is a disaster for Cleveland.  Due to the obvious reason of losing the best player in the world, and dealing with injuries to some of their better players, the Cavs were in the midst of the longest losing streak in the history of the NBA. It was heartbreaking night after night to watch these guys try so hard not to be that team, but their efforts were futile. And it was even harder to watch them extend the record.

Finally, behind a heroic performance by Jamison, the Cavs were able to end the streak at 26 games by beating the L.A. Clippers by seven in overtime. Jamison also went 4-of-6 from downtown which included one he hit with 22 seconds left in overtime to put his team up by four.  

This game seems to do something for the psyche of the team as the Cavs goes on to win the next two out of four games including wins against the defending champs and Melo's Knicks.  Maybe the win gave the Cavs some confidence that they desperately needed and the belief that they can actually win a game. Who knows how long the streak would've lasted if it wasn't for Jamison's efforts?    

13. Rondo Serves a Deep Dish Boston Style

Oct. 29, 2010

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

Rondo went for a triple-double scoring 10 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out an incredible 24 assists.

Any triple-double is impressive, but to set your career high in assists while you're at it is downright sick! On the third game of the season where the Celtics were coming off a loss to the LeBron-less Cleveland Cavaliers, Rondo took over the game against the New York Knicks.  He found his teammates all over the court delivering the ball at the right time and place.  He went for 10/10/24 in a tightly contested game where his team won by four points.  His court vision is become nothing short of legendary.  On a team of four future Hall of Famers, he shined the brightest that night.

Rondo had just set the franchise record for the most assists in a season in 2009-2010, and on that night he looked like he wanted to set a new one this season as well. 

12. the Boston Massacre Led by Russell Westbrook

Nov. 19, 2010

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Boston Celtics

Westbrook went for 31 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals.

It wasn't a superior night for Westbrook in terms of his stats.  He turned in a mediocre 31 points while only shooting 9-of-21 from the field.  But what was impressive about this performance was the fact that he led his Durant-less Thunder into Boston and pulled out a win over the heavily favored Celtics.  He showcased on that night that he should be considered as one of the elite point guards in the NBA.  He hit big shot after big shot while holding off a Celtics comeback.  

On a night that the Thunder were without their superstar and top scorer, Westbrook took over, as he wasn't going to simply lie down against the Celtics.  The Thunder beat the Celtics that night and Westbrook proved he was just as important to his team as Durant.  

11. STAT Fills Up the Sheet in a Win over the 76ers

Feb. 6, 2011

New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Amar'e ties a season high with 41 points.  He also grabs seven rebounds, dishes out four assists, blocks four shots with one steal.

The Knicks, 3-9 in their previous 12 games, were in some apparent disarray as the team was dealing with trade rumors surrounding some of their key players.  In addition, the team had just lost to their division rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers two days before, who were fast on their heels for the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference.  

This occasion called for a legendary performance from their leader, and he answered the crowd at MSG with a stellar performance, tying his season high in points and blocking four shots on the defensive end.  He shot an incredible 17-of-21 from the field and went 7-of-7 from the line in the victory over the 76ers.

When was the last time we heard chants of MVP in MSG when a Knick was at the free-throw line?  We'll see how the new dynamic Knicks fare in the final stretch of the season with the addition of 'Melo and Chauncey.  But without a doubt, the Knicks are back.   

10. LMA Posts Career High against the Spurs

Feb. 1, 2010

Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs

LaMarcus Aldridge went for 40 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.

He shot 16-of-23 from the field and 8-of-9 from the line.

In an injury riddled season where the Portland Trail Blazers lost their big man Greg Oden for the entire season as well as their star Brandon Roy and Marcus Camby for an extended period of time, the team looked fragile, especially in the front line.  The team looked to their fifth-year power forward as the man to hold down the fort. 

Whenever a guy goes off on the best team in the league, I'm obligated to put it on this list.

What LaMarcus did on this night was nothing short of legendary.  After consecutive defeats at the hands of the Kings and Celtics at home, the Blazers were a heavy underdog against the Spurs.  But to Aldridge, it was time to step up and shine.  He posted his career high to the tune of 40 points while leading his team to a victory of 13 points at home. 

Once again he showed everyone in the league why he might be the most dominating big man this season as he displayed his complete arsenal.  Whether it was inside or outside, LMA could not be stopped this night.  And he played the biggest amongst the big Spurs front line. 

9. Derrick Dissects the Spurs

Feb. 17, 2011

Chicago Bulls vs. San Antonio Spurs

Derrick Rose went for 42/5/6 and one steal.

The Chicago Bulls hosted the league-best San Antonio Spurs on the last game before the All-Star break.  In a game with a total of three All-Stars, the third-year point guard shined the brightest.  He was unstoppable, he got into the lane whenever he wanted and finished with an array of highlight-worthy moves.  The result was Derrick Rose turning in a career night while scoring 42 points against a tough defensive team in the Spurs.  

He made 18-of-28 shots from the field and made all six of his free throws.  What an occasion to post career highs, as he led his Bulls past the best team in the league in the midst of a race to get the best record in the East.

This game showcased Derrick's immense talents while heading into the break.  He should definitely receive some first-place votes for league MVP when it's all said and done.  And the voters should take a look back at this game when they decide.  

8. LaMarcus Aldridge Outduels Rose and the Bulls

Feb. 7, 2011

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Chicago Bulls

Aldridge goes for 42 and eight.

Just a little bit less than two weeks before the All-Star Game, LaMarcus shows the league why he should be in the game.  Against the red-hot Chicago Bulls who have just won seven out of their last eight games, LaMarcus had one of those nights.  

He went 15-of-23 from the field and hit 12-of-14 from the free-throw line.  His whole arsenal was on display, hitting jumpers, driving to the hoop, getting putbacks and even drawing a charge late in the game.

The 42-point game against the Bulls is his career high.  His previous high was 40 against the Spurs in which he set a little less than a week prior to this game. 

7. Durant Is the Better Kevin

Jan. 26, 2011

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Durant plays almost 50 minutes in this game.  He scores 47 points and grabs 18 rebounds (both career highs).  He added two assists, two blocks and two steals.  He shot 15-of-28 from the field and 13-of-14 from the line. 

It was just a regular Wednesday night game for Durant and the Thunder going against the bottom-feeding Timberwolves.  I mean seriously, is this game even watchable if you don't live in their perspective cities?  OK, so maybe we'll watch it because it's Durant vs. Love.  Looks like the Thunder will just roll over the 'Wolves and Love will keep his double-double streak alive.  

Oh boy, was I wrong.  

This game turned out to be a barn burner (19 lead changes). The 'Wolves are a tough team at home.  It became a duel of the Kevins, and Sir Kevin Durantula got the better of the match by beating the 'Wolves in overtime 119-118. 

Looking to bounce back from a loss to the Hornets in the previous game, where Durant failed to score in the fourth quarter, Durant scored 20 in the fourth quarter plus overtime.  He also hit an 18-foot jumper with 28 seconds left in overtime that turned out to be the game-winner.

6. The Rookie Sets a Career High on MLK Day

Jan. 17, 2011

Indiana Pacers vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin sets a career high with 47 points and 14 rebounds.

I have a dream...the Clippers are good.

Ever since Griffin put on a Clippers jersey, they've become relevant again.  Even if they don't win, at least we have a Griffin alert on ESPN.  Griffin has been the most exciting rookie since LeBron James.  You can argue even more so than the King.  And on this night, he was actually better.  

The rookie showed he wasn't just a high-flying dunker as he displayed an array of offensive moves that would even make Hakeem proud.  He scored the most points in a game by a rookie since Brandon Jennings scored 50 last year.  He shot around 80 percent from the field and went 9-of-11 from the line. Sure it was against the Pacers, but the Pacers actually have been underrated defensively this year.  

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas for the Clippers as the future looks bright for the young team that just got rid of Baron Davis and his big contract.  Barring any "Clippery" events that might happen...knock on wood...Lakers vs. Clippers in the first round of the 2012 Western Conference Playoffs.

5. Rondo Dominates as the Titans Collide

Jan. 5, 2011

Boston Celtics vs. San Antonio Spurs

Rondo went for 12/10/23 with six steals.

How do you top a triple-double where you had 24 assists against the Knicks?  You do it by getting another triple-double with 23 assists against the best team in the league that actually plays defense.  

It was definitely one of those statement games in a matchup of the Best of the West and the Beasts of the East.  And it seems like these days, whenever there is a big game, Rondo comes to play.  

He gets another triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 23 assists, while adding six steals and a blocked shot.  He shot 6-of-10 from the field in a tightly contested game.  Once again he was huge throughout the game, setting up his teammates and getting to loose balls while playing exceptional defense.

So another triple-double with 20-plus assists.  It seems like we're all getting a little too used to him doing this.   

4. A Magical Night for LeBron in Orlando

Feb. 3, 2011

Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic

LeBron goes for 51/11/8.

It was the third game between the Heat and the Magic this season.  The two teams atop the Southeast Division had previously split the two.  Anytime the two Florida teams meet, bragging rights are on the line. This night had a playoff atmosphere to it.  

King James came out of the gate hot, scoring 23 points in the first quarter hitting all 11 of his first shots.  He went 17-of-25 from field and 14-of-17 from the line and ended up with 51 points for the game.  He also grabbed 11 rebounds to go along with eight assists plus a steal and block.  He dominated the rival Magic from the start and it lasted all night.  The final score looked a lot closer than it actually was as the Magic made a late push.

LeBron seems to be the only guy in the league that can have those kind of numbers these days.  He almost had a triple-double while scoring 51.  In fact, the only other player in the last 25 years with 50-plus points, 11 rebounds and eight assists was His Airness, Michael Jordan.   

3. Millsap Went on Fire in the Home of the Heat

Nov. 9, 2010

Utah Jazz vs. Miami Heat

Millsap scores 46 points, grabs nine rebounds and adds one assist, steal and block each.

The Jazz's season started without signing their star power forward in Carlos Boozer.  The Jazz's GM believed their fifth-year power forward Paul Millsap was up to the task of filling the big shoes Boozer left during the offseason.  And on this night, Millsap proved his worth.  

Not only did he lead his team to a victory over the new big three in Miami, he posted a career high in points with 46 in doing so.  The Jazz were down by eight to the Heat with 37 seconds left to go in the game.  What followed was nothing short of spectacular clutchness as the Jazz had to make up the difference by extending the game with short offensive possessions and fouling immediately.  And that's what they did.  

The incredible comeback was led by Paul Millsap, as within 28 seconds he was able to score 11 points, including three three-pointers and a putback six-foot jumper as time expired to send this game into overtime, eventually the Jazz pulled out the victory by two points in overtime.

Millsap hadn't even attempted a three-pointer prior to that game in the new season.  In fact, he only made one in all of the 2009-2010 season.  But when the game was on the line, he got straight Reggie Miller against the Heat on their home court. 

2. LeBron's Triple-Double on Christmas Day

Dec. 25, 2010

Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron goes for 27 points 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

It probably wasn't the most impressive stat-wise for LeBron thus far in this season, but to go to Staples Center on Christmas Day and dominate the defending champs on the most important regular season game of the year sure is impressive.  The Heat didn't look very impressive against the top teams in the league going 1-5 (DAL, BOS, ORL) prior to this game.  So they definitely needed a statement win against the Lakers to prove that they belong.  

They ended up killing the Lakers by 16 on national TV.  What did LeBron do?  He only got a triple-double while shooting 8-of-14 from the field, 5-of-6 from three, and 6-of-6 from the charity stripe.  He dictated the tempo and was key down the stretch as every time the Lakers were trying to make a run, he had an answer to stop them.

It was such a key game as it gave a preview of what could happen if the two teams were to meet in the NBA Finals, and the King delivered when it counted most. 

1. Kevin Love Goes Bonkers

Nov. 12, 2010

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New York Knicks

Love scores 31 points and grabs 31 rebounds.

What?  Who went 31/31?  Kevin who?  When I was looking at the ticker, I couldn't believe my eyes.  Someone actually grabbed 31 rebounds.  

Yeah, so it was against the Knicks, who don't play defense and apparently don't box out, nonetheless, it was still an impressive feat.  It was Wilt Chamberlain or Moses Malone-like stats. In fact the last man to go 30/30 was Moses Malone in 1982, almost three decades ago.  

Love was a man on a mission, as he grabbed 15 rebounds in the third quarter alone.  At one point in the third quarter he whispered to his teammate Michael Beasley that he was going for 30 that night.  And he did not disappoint.

This has been an incredible season for Kevin Love.  It seems as if everything has just clicked for the third-year player from Minnesota.  He becomes the only interesting man on an uninteresting team.  He's currently on a streak of 45 games with a double-double, just breaking the second most set by Moses Malone.  He's aiming to break the 51-game streak set by Malone and I have a good feeling that he will.