Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love became the first player since Moses Malone to record 30 points and 30 rebounds in a single game, and he went on to lead the NBA in rebounding at an impressive 15.2 per game.
Blake Griffin proved to be as good as advertised after he arrived in Los Angeles, as the Clippers rookie displayed the type of strength, athleticism and highlight-reel worthy dunks that suggests he will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
While Love and Griffin's performances helped thrust them into the league's upper-echelon of power forwards, there were also a couple of seasoned veterans who further illustrated why they are already considered to be elite.
Amare Stoudemire escaped the shadow of Steve Nash in Phoenix and in the process helped make basketball relevant in the Big Apple again by leading the usually anemic New York Knicks back to the postseason.
Chris Bosh also made news by taking his talents to South Beach to join LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, a marriage that resulted in the Miami Heat's first trip to the NBA Finals since 2006.
In Portland, LaMarcus Aldridge was forced to assume the mantle of leadership due to injuries suffered by Brandon Roy and Greg Oden, and Aldridge responded with a career-best regular season performance, averaging 21.8 points per game along with 8.8 rebounds per game.
And Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki may have bested them all by leading his underdog Mavericks to the 2011 NBA championship and earning his first Finals MVP in the process
With those types of developments, it's easy to overlook the fact that Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol had a season that may be just as impressive as all t...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
