By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A brilliant display by Ivica Zubac on the latest edition of NBA Sundays.
Zubac, 25, tallied 31 points and 29 rebounds to go along with three assists, and three blocks. He actually fouled out, missing the opportunity for a 30/30 show. But was more than enough for the Los Angeles Clippers to defeat the Indiana Pacers at home and improve to 12-9 in the NBA Regular Season.
“It’s crazy. I always wanted to get a 20/20 game. I had a chance for 30/30. I wanted to get it so bad. I’m so mad that I fouled out,” he mentioned in the postgame press conference, “But still, it’s crazy to be mentioned with Kareem and guys like that in the same sentence. It’s incredible.”
Back in 1978, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the last player to record such a huge line. The Croatian center was the third player with at least 31 points, 29 rebounds, and three blocks in a single NBA game since blocks become a stat in 1973-74. Also, the fourth to pack over 30 points and 25 rebounds in a single game through the last ten years.
“I was mad at myself because I wanted to get that 30 and 30 so bad. And I just needed one rebound,” he added, “It hurts. It’s definitely not as happy as I should be, but I was just mad at myself for getting that foul.”
On track for the 30/30 game at halftime, he was determined to get the job done. “I just told myself I’m gonna try to get every rebound possible. Just being aggressive on the offensive boards. I think that was a big part of that game,” he shared his approach to the second half.
Zubac is averaging 10.5 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 1.4 assists per contest this season, his seventh NBA campaign.
Photo Credit: Getty Images