In an impressive showcase during Sunday’s NBA action, Anthony Davis led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 120-109 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were noticeably short-handed.
Davis’ performance was nothing short of historic, as he scored 27 points, grabbed a season-high 25 rebounds, and achieved a career-high seven steals. This remarkable game also included five assists and three blocked shots, marking it as one of his most prolific outings.
“When we’re out there having fun, everybody’s confidence is high,” Davis said. “When we’re talking trash to the other team, we’re holding each other accountable, and we’re just playing the right way. We know what it takes. It’s just about having the consistency of playing that way each and every night.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Davis’ extraordinary night put him among the elite, becoming only the eighth player since the 1982-83 season to record at least 25 points, 25 rebounds, and five assists in a game—a feat last accomplished by Nikola Jokic. His teammate Austin Reaves, who contributed 19 points, praised Davis’ rebounding and defensive prowess, particularly his offensive rebounds and steals, which he found “very, very impressive.”
LeBron James also played a significant role in the victory, with 29 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, helping the Lakers secure their 12th win in 17 games. This victory further solidifies their position above .500 for the first time since the end of the 2021-22 season.
Despite the loss, Naz Reid stood out for the Timberwolves with 25 points, benefiting from the absence of Minnesota’s top two big men and four regulars due to injuries. Anthony Edwards matched Reid’s scoring, but the Timberwolves struggled in the fourth quarter, missing nine consecutive shots which allowed the Lakers to extend their lead.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch acknowledged the challenge posed by Davis, emphasizing the need for better defensive strategies against him.
“Ball movement dried up a little bit, but really it was the offensive rebounds at the other end of the floor that hurt us more in the fourth,” Finch said.
The game was also notable for the return of James after an injury hiatus and Davis playing through a recent shoulder injury without apparent hindrance.
On the Timberwolves’ side, notable absences included Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns, with Gobert missing the game due to hamstring tightness and being fined earlier that day for criticizing NBA officiating. Towns is sidelined with a torn meniscus, likely until the postseason.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Both teams are looking ahead, with the Timberwolves set to face the Los Angeles Clippers and the Lakers going up against Sacramento in their next matchups.
