Nov 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) reacts to a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
JJ Redick Explains Why Anthony Davis Took Just 9 Shots Against The Thunder
Anthony Davis took just 9 shots on Friday night as the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a 101-93 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick was asked what the Thunder had done to limit Davis' attempts in this one and he gave them a lot of credit.
"Clearly a lot of attention to detail on the game plan around him, to be honest with you," Redick said. "Just in terms of a lot of the similar actions we run. We have a bunch of different ways to get him the ball, they're not necessarily one play and they had prepared well.
"When he was able to get the ball in his normal spots, just the amount of bodies but again the second-straight game that a team has done that, and he's been a willing passer," Redick continued. "Again, seven assists. He didn't score the ball like he normally scores the ball but he had an outstanding game."
Davis finished with 15 points (5-9 FG), 12 rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and four blocks against the Thunder. It was the second-straight game in which the nine-time All-Star had recorded seven assists, after doing so against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday as well. Davis took 14 shots that night and the Lakers won 119-101 but that wasn't the case here.
Davis' 9 attempts against the Thunder were his second-fewest in a game this season. He had attempted eight shots against the Toronto Raptors on Nov. 10 but that was down to him exiting the game in the third quarter with an eye injury. So, this was really the first time all season that he had played all four quarters but hadn't taken more than 9 shots.
I am all for players making the right play when there is some extra attention on them defensively, but Davis can get a bit too passive in these situations at times. This was a big talking point last season and it seemed like the 31-year-old had changed how he approached those situations in 2024-25. Unfortunately, he reverted back to his old self on Friday.
Davis took just one shot in the fourth quarter and that is not good enough. One of the best players in the NBA can't just be limited to one shot in the final period of a close game regardless of how much attention is on them from the defense. Davis just has to be more aggressive in these situations, or else the Lakers will keep losing such games.
Speaking of losing, the Lakers have now lost four of their last five to drop to 11-8 on the season. They are now sixth in the West and their defense of the NBA Cup is all but over as well, as they are on the brink of elimination with a 2-2 record.
It's incredible to think how much things have changed in just over a week. The Lakers had made it six wins in a row by beating the Utah Jazz on Nov. 19 and seemed to be on top of the world. They're 1-4 since then and are now desperately trying to rediscover that winning formula. They're facing the Jazz again next at Delta Center on Sunday at 8 PM ET and perhaps they will turn things around in that one.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
