The Los Angeles Lakers continue to receive incredible production from Anthony Davis as they pursue an NBA record 18th championship. In the team’s Game 1 win over the Golden State Warriors, Davis totaled 30 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks.
Since blocks have been tracked dating back to the 1973-74 season, there have been only two players to record at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks in a playoff game. Davis achieved that in Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors, making him the second player ever to do so.
“Great player,” said Warriors forward Draymond Green. “When you are guarding a player like AD, it’s never going to be one player that shuts him down. It takes a team effort.”
The other player? Tim Duncan during the peak of his powers as the superstar of the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan had two performances that match these figures in all four categories, both in 2003.
Additionally, Davis joined Shaquille O’Neal, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Elgin Baylor as the only Lakers players to ever record 30 points and 20 rebounds in a playoff game.
“The Lakers franchise over the years, over the course of their existence, has always had dominant big men, dominant guys that have been a force at the rim,” LeBron James said of Davis. “That’s why their jerseys are in the rafters. A.D. will be up there when he’s done playing.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers & Golden State Warriors Updates
The production Davis is providing the Lakers right now is a strong representation of what many around the NBA believed he could achieve at the height of his game. There were comparisons made to Duncan as far as career trajectory was concerned early in Davis’ career.
“We know that’s what he’s capable of,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. “It’s great. We needed every bit of all those points and rebounds and blocked shots, assists as well.”
If Davis can help Los Angeles to take down Steph Curry’s Warriors, the next challenge appears likely to be a head-to-head matchup with two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. For now, the Lakers must focus on Game 2 against the Warriors.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers & Golden State Warriors Updates
“It’s going to be a different game,” Davis said. “They’re going to make adjustments; we’re going to make adjustments.” He added: “I’m going to continue to be aggressive.”
Davis is in the middle of a strong postseason for the Lakers, averaging 22.1 points, 15.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and a league-leading 4.3 blocks per game. He’s imposed his will inside, serving as a real matchup problem for Kevon Looney and the Warriors.
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