Defensive mastery reaches its peak with Nate Thurmond, the 6-foot-11 Akron native whose blend of quickness, strength, and intelligence made him the prototype for the modern center. Apprenticing under Wilt Chamberlain before becoming Golden State’s cornerstone, he proved that dominance comes from defense, rebounding, and unselfish play more than flashy numbers. Thurmond grabbed 42 rebounds in one legendary game, one of only four players ever to reach that mark, and recorded the league’s first official quadruple-double with 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 blocks. A seven-time All-Star with his No. 42 retired by both Golden State and Cleveland, he earned universal respect. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar called him the toughest defender he ever faced. Blue-collar and team-first, Thurmond did the dirty work that allowed scoring stars to shine, tallying 19 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists in this Halloween showcase. · Oct 31, 1971