After going scoreless in the second half against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, Anthony Davis exploded for 23 points in the second period against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night. After the game, the big man was asked what led to his dominant showing in the second.
“Just being aggressive, we come out running a play for me,” Davis said. “Just trying to win the basketball game honestly. I think my team has set the foundation early on in the first half. (Christian) Wood with his points, Jaxson (Hayes) with his lob threat, and then Austin (Reaves), (D’Angelo Russel), (LeBron James), (Taurean Prince), Max (Christie) and everything just opened up for me in the second half.”
His teammates impressing in the first half meant Davis wasn’t facing as many double teams as he usually does and he took advantage.
“Able to get some post-ups where they weren’t doubling, get some mid-range jump shots, some lobs,” Davis continued. “But I think it was just our defense just getting on and running after getting a stop, but just ultimately being more aggressive.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTBQYquZjTs
The biggest key is what Davis said at the end, being aggressive. In that second half against the Mavericks, he only attempted three shots, which is simply not enough for a player of his caliber. There are far too many times when he becomes very passive and that’s when the Los Angeles Lakers struggle.
For whatever reason, that aggressiveness of his just comes and goes. We saw that in the playoffs last season, where he’d alternate between a good and a bad game on offense. The 30-year-old was more consistent on that end of the floor earlier this season but has now gone back to his old ways.
Fortunately for the Lakers, his good game came at the best possible time, as LeBron James was struggling by his high standards. Maybe that was the cue for Davis to take over and he ended the night with 32 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.
Kevin Garnett Said Anthony Davis Looks Like He’s 40 Years Old
While Davis tends to face a barrage of criticism from former players, Kevin Garnett is one who has generally been pretty complimentary of him. Before the start of this season, Garnett said he expects Davis to win MVP soon, as he thought the big man can do everything that Nikola Jokic does.
After seeing his performances in 2023-24 though, the Hall of Famer doesn’t seem all that impressed. Garnett said Davis looks like he’s 40 years old, adding that when he watches the Lakers big man playing, he looks like Garnett does now. Considering all the injuries the eight-time All-Star has had, his body might be closer to 40 at this point.
Anthony Davis’ Play Will Define The Lakers’ Season
So far in this 2023-24 campaign, it’d be fair to say LeBron has been the best player for the Lakers, not Davis, and that is not a recipe for success. The only way L.A. wins a title is if the big man shows some kind of consistency on offense.
I get that it is taxing for someone to be the anchor on defense and contribute heavily on offense, but that’s why Davis gets paid the big bucks. He is supposed to be one of the best two-way players in the NBA but on far too many nights, we only see him be great on defense.
If this keeps up, the Lakers will fall just short in their quest to win a title, as they did last season.
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