(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers needed Anthony Davis to dominate to stand a chance against the Golden State Warriors, and he did exactly that.
The former New Orleans Pelicans star was efficient and physical right out of the gate, and he was the best player on the court throughout the whole game.
Davis had one of his best playoff performances ever, posting 30 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks on 57.9% shooting from the floor.
Moreover, he joined Tim Duncan as the only two players to record 30+ points, 20+ boards, 5+ dimes, and 4+ blocks in a playoff game, according to NBA History on Twitter.
Blocks were first tracked in 1973-74.
Since then, only 2 players have recorded 30+ PTS, 20+ REB, 5+ AST, and 4+ BLK in a playoff game.
Tim Duncan
Anthony Davis pic.twitter.com/8wF5ro9kDh
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 3, 2023
Charles Barkley had said that Davis would be the “X-factor” and a potential difference-maker in this series.
The Warriors don’t have anyone remotely capable of guarding him, although Kevon Looney and Draymond Green managed to keep him away from the basket from time to time.
Nonetheless, the only question is whether Davis can keep this effort up consistently, as he’s historically alternated great performances with duds in the playoffs.
There’s no doubt that Davis has the potential to be the best player on Earth, as he makes a huge impact on both ends of the floor.
But that inconsistency along with his propensity to get hurt has often prevented him from reaching truly elite status.
Even so, the Lakers only need him to stay healthy and dominate for an extra handful of games.
If he can do that, there’s a good chance he leads the Lakers to their league-leading 18th NBA championship.
That’s just how good he is.
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