WASHINGTON, DC — Anthony Davis’ 20th field goal hit as the ball went through the hoop late in the fourth quarter on Sunday — scoring his 49th and 50th points of the night — Capital The crowd at One Arena hears their appreciation from the visiting Los Angeles Lakers big man.
“MVP! MVP! MVP!”
Davis, who had 55 points, 17 rebounds and three blocked shots in LA’s 130-119 victory over the Washington Wizards, has not only heard praise from fans.
Lakers starting guard Patrick Beverley said, “Jason Tatum is getting his ass out, but that’s probably going to change after tonight when you’re talking about MVP races and people in the category.”[Davis] Surely it should be there. “
LeBron James, who had 29 points, eight rebounds and six assists, made similar comments.
“He’s incredible,” said James. “On both sides of the floor. I mean he’s in this league playing like the MVP. Just domination.”
Davis’ performance against the Wizards was one of the best of the veteran’s 11-year career. This was his second-most scoring streak ever, with 40+ points and he was the only player to record 10+ rebounds in a row for Shaquille when he joined O’Neal. It was the highest score he ever scored in a Lakers uniform. for purple and gold.
It’s been 30 years since an NBA player recorded 50+ points, 15+ rebounds, 3+ blocks, and connected on at least 70% of shot attempts. field) reflects his 50 points scored by Patrick Ewing on December 1, 1990 with his 71% shooting percentage, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks.
His personal numbers may be staggering, but Davis said his sole focus is on team performance.
“To win a championship,” Davis said when asked if his goals for the season included winning his first Larry O’Brien Trophy. If it’s about winning the championship, the rest will work itself out.It’s always been my idea.I put the team first before the individual awards and accolades that come with it.So we But if we keep doing what we do, if we win a basketball game, the rest will take care of itself.”
Sunday was the Lakers’ third straight win, their eighth in their last 10 games, pushing their record to 10-12. That’s just two games behind the defending champion Golden State Warriors (he’s currently sixth in the Western Conference).
The Lakers’ win capped off the best stretch for Davis. His career-high in MVP voting was his third in 2017-18, when he played for the Pelicans in New Orleans.
In his last nine games, Davis has averaged 35.3 points on 64.8% from the field, 45.5% from 3, and 88% from the foul line, and has 15.6 rebounds and 2.9 blocks overnight. Lakers coach Darvin Hamm said things changed for Davis when he was able to fully recover from the back pain that plagued him in training camp, and his productivity and confidence have improved since then. said.
“His health first and foremost,” Hamm said. “I think he’s in good shape. His body is in good shape. He had some issues early on, but he’s worked through it. It’s not just his face, it’s his body.” You can see it in play, he enjoys a basketball game without pain, and they know it. I know you make it a priority.
James said part of his responsibility is to keep Davis on the ear and let him know how much it means to the Lakers franchise.
“I think we all need to be reminded from time to time,” James said. , you need to remind yourself from time to time what your abilities are and how much you believe in each other.
“As the leader of the team, part of my job is to see and reassure him, not just for this team, but for this league, how great he is, how great he is in this league. “
The Lakers are eager to see how far Davis can go.
“He’s totally picking up the torch and running with it,” Hamm said. “And he gives us a ride. It’s so wonderful to see.”
