Anthony Davis shrugged off the jeers of Toronto fans to score 41 points – including 20 in the fourth quarter – for Los Angeles Lakers against Toronto in their 132-131 win. LeBron James led their charge with his 21 points on their own.
The Lakers won back-to-back games for the first time in over a month, moving their record up to 19-19 after taking home first prize at December’s inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament.
Anthony Davis Scored a Regular-Season High
Los Angeles Lakers rebounded from their three-game losing streak with an impressive 132-131 win against Toronto Raptors thanks to Anthony Davis. Though Davis may have encountered hostility from some former Pelicans fans, his performance proved that he’d settled well into his new surroundings and continued dominating it.
Anthony Davis scored 41 points – including 20 in the fourth quarter – to set his season high and also grabbed 11 rebounds and six assists over 40 minutes, vaulting him back into elite player discussions alongside Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.
He Scored 20 Points in the Fourth Quarter
In an action-packed match that saw no less than 23 lead changes, the Lakers pulled ahead in the fourth quarter when Davis scored 20 points on 11 free throw attempts and 11 made free throws – his best showing since becoming a starter last season.
Davis’ play attracted gasps and cheers from the New Orleans crowd, who witnessed every skill from alley-oop dunks to turn-around baseline fades that they had come to expect from him.
The Raptors had been using zone defense and double teams against Davis to slow him, but even with Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam each scoring 26 points each, Davis proved too powerful for Toronto’s defense to handle.
He Scored a Game-High 41 Points
Anthony Davis was one of the standout performers during a Lakers victory against his former team, although many in attendance would boo him throughout his performance on the court. Still, his teammates could feel his energy on the floor.
He not only scored 41 points but also grabbed 11 rebounds while going 13-17 from the field and 14-14 on free throws. Furthermore, late in the game he made a key play by intercepting Jrue Holiday’s inbound pass and making two free throws to seal his team’s victory.
As part of his impressive night, Davis also became the fourth-youngest player ever to score 33,000 career points. Following the game, he visited with former Pelicans teammates while still wearing their uniforms in their locker room.
He Scored a Game-High 11 Rebounds
Anthony Davis made 13-of-23 from the field and grabbed 10 rebounds during his 37:40 on the floor, in addition to notching one block, three steals, four assists, one blocked shot and four stolen base for an impressive plus-minus of +17 in his time on the court.
With Jakob Poetl absent for Los Angeles, Davis was afforded ample chances to assert himself inside. He quickly took advantage of these chances, scoring 16 points in just the first quarter alone to demonstrate why Toronto would find it impossible to stop him.
But the Raptors quickly adjusted defensive strategies, using smaller players such as R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to create obstacles for Davis near the basket before switching over to zone defense to slow the Lakers down and keep the contest close.
He Scored a Game-High 6 Assists
Davis’ distribution skills are an invaluable component of the Lakers offense and help ensure efficiency on offense. He had six assists on Tuesday’s game alone – including one key pass to LeBron James driving into the paint.
The Lakers should rely on Davis, who has been their go-to big man this season. His ability to draw attention away from defenders allows for easy 3-point shots while his quickness and physicality provide invaluable defense – qualities which he used against an undermanned Raptors squad without injured center Jakob Poeltl.
He Scored a Game-High 8 Free Throws
Anthony Davis scored 20 of his 41 points in an outstanding fourth quarter performance to lead Los Angeles Lakers past Toronto Raptors 132-131 and bring some relief after going 3-10 immediately following winning the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament back in December.
Without Jakob Poeltl and facing an opponent with no center of its own, Davis thrived inside. His dominance allowed him to score freely against an opposing team’s defense that had no answer for his size and strength.
Anthony Davis was on display once again, showing why he is one of the game’s premier talents and could help bring the Lakers back into playoff contention with an outstanding finish.
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