Dwight Howard notches NBA's first 30-30 game (points, boards) in 7-plus years

Dwight Howard made a March Hornets-Nets game interesting.

The Charlotte center became the first NBA player since Kevin Love in 2010, and the eighth player all time, to record a 30-30 game: 30 or more points, 30 or more rebounds.

Howard went for 32 and 30 to lead the Hornets to a comeback win in Brooklyn.

Dwight Howard finished with 32 points & 30 rebounds.

The first 30-30 game in nearly EIGHT years 👏 pic.twitter.com/LaTHRyTmK3
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 22, 2018

He said after the game that he knew he was closing in on the milestone and even asked an opponent to give him an opportunity to reach it.
“When I had 29 (rebounds) I told (Nets forward Quincy) Acy, 'Man, I’m not selfish, but if I get a chance to get a rebound, please don’t foul me.’” Howard told Fox Sports Southeast, per The Charlotte Observer. "I got it. I'm thankful."

Howard has been doing work for the lottery-bound Hornets all season; he's averaging 16.6 points and 12.2 rebounds in 72 games. Yet, he told reporters, his performance Wednesday was a response to what he considered a dip in his intensity.

“I just thought that my energy and effort wasn’t where it needed to be for our team to be successful,” Howard said, per The Associated Press. “Got a text at halftime from somebody and it kind of got me motivated and gave me some extra energy