The 2023 NBA season has seen top centers dominating against Anthony Davis, leaving the Lakers in challenging situations. A closer look at matchups with prominent centers reveals Davis struggling to contain their impact.
Anthony Davis vs. Nikola Jokic
The Lakers kicked off the 2023 NBA season with a challenging matchup against the Denver Nuggets, reigniting memories of their previous playoff series. Anthony Davis started the game strong, amassing 17 points in the first half. However, the script took a sharp turn in the second half, with Davis noticeably fading from the court.
In contrast, Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP, showcased his brilliance, recording a triple-double with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. This performance mirrored the Nuggets’ dominance in the previous season’s Western Conference finals, once again exposing the Lakers’ struggle against elite centers.
Anthony Davis: 17 points 8 rebounds and 4 assists (6-17 FG and 1-2 3 PT FG)
Nikola Jokic: 29 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists (12-22 FG and 3-5 3PT FG)
Anthony Davis vs. Domantas Sabonis
Facing the Sacramento Kings and their star center, Domantas Sabonis, Anthony Davis aimed to lead the Lakers to victory. In an impressive offensive display, Davis notched 30 points and 16 rebounds. However, the Kings, despite Sabonis grappling with foul trouble, managed to secure the win.
Anthony Davis: 30 points 16 rebounds and 2 assists (11-22 FG and 1-2 3PT FG)
Domantas Sabonis: 12 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists (5-8 FG, 1-1 3 PT FG)
The subsequent matchup revealed a stark contrast in performances. Davis, seemingly affected by an early bump, struggled to find his rhythm, contributing a mere 9 points and 9 rebounds. Sabonis, displaying his prowess, led the Kings to another victory with 29 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists.
These back-to-back losses underscored the Lakers’ vulnerability against teams with dominant centers and raised questions about Davis’ defensive capabilities.
Anthony Davis: 9 points and 9 rebounds (3-9 FG, 0-1 3PT FG)
Domantas Sabonis: 29 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists (13-19 FG and 1-1 3 PT FG)
Anthony Davis vs. Bam Adebayo
Facing the Miami Heat and their formidable center Bam Adebayo, Anthony Davis encountered early injury trouble. Despite the setback, Davis attempted to play through the pain.
However, even before the injury, he found himself dominated by Adebayo, who secured a triple-double with 22 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. Adebayo’s exceptional performance, coupled with Davis’ struggles, created a substantial deficit for the Lakers.
Although the team mounted a late comeback, the Heat ultimately held on for the win. This matchup highlighted the Lakers’ challenges in containing elite centers and emphasized the impact of Davis’ defensive lapses on the team’s overall performance.
Anthony Davis: 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists (4-7 FG)
Bam Adebayo: 22 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists (9-20 FG and 1-1 FG)
Anthony Davis vs. Joel Embiid
The Lakers’ encounter with the Philadelphia 76ers turned into a defensive nightmare as they faced the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid. Anthony Davis, tasked with containing Embiid, faltered significantly.
Embiid toyed with the Lakers, securing a triple-double with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. The Lakers suffered an embarrassing 44-point defeat, showcasing the glaring mismatch in the frontcourt.
Davis, typically a defensive stalwart, struggled to contain Embiid’s offensive onslaught, leaving the Lakers questioning their defensive capabilities against top-tier centers.
Anthony Davis: 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists (7-14 FG)
Joel Embiid: 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists (9-15 FG, 2-3 FG)
These individual matchups shed light on a concerning pattern for the Lakers. Anthony Davis, known for his versatility and defensive prowess, has encountered significant challenges in containing elite centers. The struggles against Jokic, Sabonis, Adebayo, and Embiid have exposed defensive lapses and underscored the Lakers’ vulnerability in the paint.
While Davis has showcased offensive brilliance in certain matchups, his inconsistency and defensive shortcomings against top-tier centers have raised alarms for the Lakers’ championship aspirations. As the season progresses, addressing these concerns becomes imperative for the Los Angeles Lakers to establish themselves as genuine contenders in the highly competitive NBA landscape.
Anthony Davis Has To Show Up Against The Best
Anthony Davis’s recent struggles against elite centers raise significant concerns for the Los Angeles Lakers. In four out of five matchups against top-tier big men, Davis has failed to assert his dominance, a worrisome trend that jeopardizes the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
As a player considered one of the best defenders in the NBA and a perennial candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award, Davis’s inability to contain opposing bigs showcases defensive lapses that should be addressed promptly. To be a genuine contender for DPOY, Davis must demonstrate the ability to limit the impact of elite centers on the defensive end.
However, it’s not only on the defensive side where Davis needs to improve; his offensive output against these top centers has also been lacking. With the exception of Bam Adebayo, none of these elite big men are known for their defensive prowess. Davis should be aggressively attacking them on the offensive end, utilizing his scoring ability to put constant pressure on opponents and wear them down.
If Davis aspires to be mentioned in MVP talks, he must elevate his performance against the best in the league. The NBA is a competition among the elite, and legends are made when players rise to the occasion against the best of the best. Davis, entrusted with the responsibility of being a cornerstone for the Lakers, needs to showcase consistency and dominance in matchups against the league’s premier big men.
The looming matchups against other formidable bigs, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lauri Markkanen, Kristaps Porzingis, Karl-Anthony Towns, Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, and more, present additional challenges. Davis cannot afford to falter against these opponents, as his performances against top-tier bigs will be crucial in determining the Lakers’ success.
While LeBron James continues to defy age and deliver exceptional performances in his 21st season, Davis must step up to complement James’s efforts. If Davis fails to consistently dominate against the best in the league, the critics’ assertions about his readiness to take the torch from LeBron James may hold merit.
The road ahead is filled with formidable opponents, and Davis’s ability to assert himself in these matchups will play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative around his place in the league hierarchy.
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