Joel Kindred: NBLC 2022 Greatest Hits
It has been quite a season for first-time NBLC finalists the KW Titans and leading them there was Joel Kindred, one of the most electrifying players seen on the Canadian courts this season.
How great was Kindred's 2022 season? As the second-highest scorer in the league and one of the most productive players, he first scooped up the Most Improved Player award, but no sooner had that award landed on the mantle did he have to clear space for another. Kindred's efforts saw him named the league MVP in what was truly one of the great individual NBL Canada seasons.
There were many quality moments across the season that highlight why Kindred was deserving of all his accolades on the season, but here is a selection of the new MVP at his very best.
March 11th vs The Sudbury Five
After opening the season with four straight twenty-point performances, Kindred had announced himself as a force for the Titans just weeks in, exemplified by how he took center stage at the Aud just weeks in.
When the Sudbury Five made the journey to Kitchener, Kindred made his every moment in action count.
In just thirty-six minutes played he led everyone on the floor with 34 points, more than a third of KW's total, in a showing so spectacular it overshadowed the Five's win on the night.
March 25th vs Windsor Express
No better way to show how much a player has improved over the course of a season than recording his first NBLC double-double. Playing the Windsor Express, Kindred led everyone on the night with thirteen rebounds while also totaling 24 points in the Titans 99-84 win. March 2022 was a highly successful time in the season for Kindred, regularly improving day to day and by the time he had put in this performance, he had entered the eventual MVP field.
May 20th vs The Sudbury Five
Of course Kindred's 2022 season can not go without a mention of the moment when he wrote himself into the team's history books. Midway through a playoff push against Sudbury, Kindred put up 43 points in a winning game three, setting a record for biggest individual score for a single game in team history.
In what soon after became a winning series for the Titans which earned them their first finals berth, Kindred's efforts in helping the team go the furthest they have ever gone, particularly here, will not be soon forgotten.
Joel Kindred has undoubtedly been one of the highlights of the 2022 NBL Canada season and worthy winner of all of the accolades bestowed on him. Find out more on Kindred, the Titans and the 2022 Finals by visiting the official NBL Canada website.
