Back In The Day NBA, April 21, 1989: Lafayette "Fat" Lever Set Denver Nuggets Record With 23 Assists Against Warriors
Before Russell Westbrook, there was Lafayette Lever.
Lever was a triple-double threat every night he stepped on the court for the Denver Nuggets. He added to his long list of accomplishments on this day when he had 15 points, 23 assists, 13 rebounds and five steals in a 139-121 win against the Golden State Warriors.
The assists were a franchise record.
His 43 career triple-doubles rank 11th on the NBA's all-time list. What made Lever so special was he only stood 6-foot-3 and led the Nuggets in rebounding four straight seasons.
Lever, who was nicknamed "Fat," was named an All-Star two times during his career. His best season was 1989 when he averaged 19.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists. Lever won't appear on many lists for the greatest players in league history, but he is one of the most overlooked talents in the game.
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