Clint Capela has been on a tear as of late. His last two games have put him in good company in the history books.
Earlier this week, Capela donated the Detroit Pistons in the Atlanta Hawks’ overtime win, going for a huge double-double with 27 points, a career-high 26 rebounds and five blocks. It was his first 25-point, 25-rebound, five-block game since Shaquille O’Neal in 2004. In the last 35 seasons, the NBA has only seen five players accomplish this task – Capela, O’Neal, Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo and Hakeem Olajuwon.
Then, on Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves recorded a triple-double with 13 points, 19 rebounds and a career high 10 blocks to lend a helping hand to All-Star guard Trae Young’s 43 points in the team’s victory.
Young scored 25 points in the first half as the Hawks took a 19-point lead at halftime. He reached 40 points late in the third quarter with a step-back which put the Hawks up to 84-59.
Capela had six blocks in the first half as Atlanta held Minnesota to 43 points on 16-of-35 shooting. The Hawks’ players on the bench stood up and cheered as Capela picked up his 10th block in the fourth quarter, swatting away a shot by driving Jordan McLaughin.
Capela became the third player in Hawks history with 10 blocks in a game, joining players Dikembe Mutombo and Josh Smith.
“I’ve never seen 10 blocks person,” said teammate Young. “What he did tonight was unbelievable. He’s been doing this consistently for us. You’ve got to give credit where it’s due. He’s playing really well for us.”
