The Lakers pulled off a dominant blowout win over the Charlotte Hornets, courtesy of second-half excellence from the purple and gold franchise. The mood of the team has improved after a strong end to a rough December, something Anthony Davis wants to see through by winning their two remaining games in 2023.
“Anthony Davis says, ‘If we go out and defend how we’re supposed to ‘then they will fare well in the upcoming back-to-back against the Timberwolves and Pelicans. ‘Two important games to close out 2023.'”
Anthony Davis says "if we go out and defend how we're supposed to" then they will fare well in the upcoming back-to-back against the Timberwolves and Pelicans.
"Two important games to close out 2023."
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) December 29, 2023
The Lakers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans on a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday. It’s a hectic run-up to the New Year for the Lakers, who have gone 6-7 over December and need to win both games to enter the New Year in high spirits.
The Timberwolves have been the best team in the West for the last few months, going 23-7 through their first 30 games of the season. They’re a well-oiled machine this season and will match up well against the Lakers due to their size and defensive strength.
The Pelicans have had an up-and-down season, but have found a good rhythm in December. They sit one game ahead of the Lakers as the seventh seed in the West, making it a must-win for LA. Their last matchup came in the semi-finals of the In-Season Tournament, a game that the Lakers won in dominant fashion.
Anthony Davis Was Lauded By His Teammates After Hornets Win
Anthony Davis had a fantastic outing against the Hornets, scoring 26 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and blocking four shots. Austin Reaves was full of praise for AD after the win.
“Like I’ve said many times, people are quick to kill AD when they see him have, what they would say, a ‘rough night’. Maybe the shooting percentage isn’t there and everybody is quick to go at him. I think that fuels him. He’s been big, he’s been Him. His numbers are phenomenal, but when I sit around, I think that’s normal. For him to be him, it’s big for us. He needs to continue to do it.”
https://twitter.com/SpectrumSN/status/1740622162820465107
Davis has averaged 29.9 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.4 blocks in December, clearly being the most impactful Laker on the court. Even with LeBron James‘ brilliance, AD has been integral in all the success they’re having due to his two-way dominance. LeBron has averaged 25.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 9.0 assists over this stretch, showing that both players need each other for this team to be successful.
AD is in the running for Defensive Player of the Year and will look to make a statement in the Lakers’ next game against Rudy Gobert and the Wolves. Gobert is considered the front-runner for the award right now, but a big night from AD could start tipping the scales in LA’s favor. The team record needs to be better for AD to be in that conversation, and that quest starts now.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
