Seeing Anthony Davis in the 2023 NBA playoffs has been a rollercoaster ride for fans. Davis has been highly inconsistent this postseason, which has impacted the Lakers.
After recording a 30-point double-double in Game 1 vs. the Warriors, Davis had just 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in Game 2. In the postgame interview, Davis denied that the Warriors making Draymond Green defend him more had any impact on his performance.
I don’t think so,” Davis said. “I took all the same shots I took in Game 1. Just missed ’em. Elbow jumpers. Pocket passes to the floater. Same exact looks. Didn’t shoot no shot that I didn’t shoot in Game 1. Just missed ’em. That’s all. Like Bron said, they made adjustments. Shot the ball extremely well from three. So, we’ll be better. I’ll be better [at] making those shots. Get back home on our home floor and try to take care of business.”
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“We’re still the best defensive team in the league if not one of them.” @KingJames isn’t worried about the #Lakers' defense being able to contain the Warriors. pic.twitter.com/OmVwyNq2CK
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) May 5, 2023
Davis may have denied that Draymond Green defending him had any impact on his game, but that’s far from the truth. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor proved that with one of his recent tweets.
Draymond Green went from defending Anthony Davis for 34% of plays in Game 1 to 62% of plays in Game 2.
Warriors Defensive Matchups Vs AD
Game 1
Kevon Looney: 45
Draymond Green: 27
All others: 8
Game 2
Draymond Green: 39
Kevon Looney: 15
All others: 9
Stats via @SecondSpectrum pic.twitter.com/uQl1DhNslo
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) May 5, 2023
The Warriors made a simple switch, but it had a huge impact on the performance of Anthony Davis. It’s a well-known fact that Davis will be the deciding factor in this series, and he needs to make a strong comeback in Game 3.
LeBron James Thinks The Lakers Are Still The Best Defensive Team In The NBA
Being a great defensive team is the bread and butter for the current Los Angeles Lakers.
Despite having an underwhelming outing on the defensive end of the floor in Game 2, LeBron James claimed that the Purple and Gold are still the best defensive team in the NBA.
“We still are [the best defensive team in the NBA],” James said. “That doesn’t change. We’re still the best defensive team in the league, if not one of them. So that doesn’t change, that’s where we hang our hats on. But like I said, you need to give credit where credit is due. Klay spectacular night. Draymond was great in the pocket pass, in the rolls, in the things of that nature.
“JaMychal Green was big time. His 12 minutes felt like 24 minutes or 30 minutes. He was big time for his team. So you credit, like I said, where credit is due, and we move on to the next game. But our defense is where we hang our hat. That doesn’t stop no matter who we play against.”
It’s great that LeBron has shown belief in himself and the rest of the Lakers team, but they need to prove that with their actions in Game 3.
The next game of the series will be played at the Crypto.com Arena, and fans will hope to see the Lakers take back the lead.
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