With a gritty performance and yet another stellar outing from Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a hard-fought victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, emerging victorious with a 104-99 scoreline. This win extends the Lakers' streak to five consecutive victories, and they now boast a commendable 9-4 record.
Davis Dominates Once Again
Central to the Lakers' triumph was Anthony Davis, whose name was synonymous with dominance throughout the night. Scoring 31 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, Davis continued his impressive form, marking the eighth time this season he has crossed the 30-point threshold. His performance was not just a display of his usual prowess in the paint but also a testament to his evolving game outside the arc.
"It's huge for our team," Davis commented post-game, encapsulating the importance of his performance for the Lakers and their ongoing streak.
Beyond the Arc Brilliance
Davis's evolution as a threat from the three-point line added a new dimension to his game. Against the Pelicans, he made two of four attempts from beyond the arc. This game signified his fifth consecutive match nailing multiple three-point shots, an impressive feat considering his historical struggles with long-range shooting. Over the past five games, Davis has improved significantly from his career three-point average, posting a remarkable 62.5% success rate.
Davis noted the tactical advantage his shooting provided, saying, "A lot of guys will be in the paint and try to help, especially big men. I fell victim to it a couple times. But it's just instinctual for a big to be in the paint, especially when one of the guards has the ball and they're driving or in a post-up."
Strategic Flexibility
This newfound accuracy from deep presents a dilemma for opposing teams. Davis's ability to stretch the defense opens up more opportunities for his teammates, particularly in single-coverage situations. "So for me to be able to step out and make a couple 3s definitely put us over the hump and put the defense in a bind, especially the big men," Davis explained. "They're either gonna leave me open or have [LeBron James], [Austin Reaves], [Rui Hachimura], whoever is in the post or has the ball, has single coverage and go to work."
This strategy of expanding offensive options has undoubtedly played a role in the Lakers achieving the best offensive rating in the league during their current streak, recording a remarkable 122.6 rating.
Continuing Momentum
The Lakers' success story is built on more than just individual brilliance. Their offensive cohesion and ability to adapt to different defensive setups have been central to their resurgence. With Davis leading the charge, their young season has already demonstrated significant promise.
Looking at Davis's shooting statistics, it's evident this season marks a notable shift. Historically, he struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 25% between 2021 and 2024. However, during earlier seasons from 2018 to 2020, he managed at least 33%, suggesting this current uptick may not be a fluke but rather a return to form.
The Lakers' ongoing success hinges on maintaining their current form. If Davis continues to evolve as a multifaceted threat, integrating both inside dominance with outside shooting, the Lakers may well extend their winning ways, posing a formidable challenge for any team they encounter.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Los Angeles and their star forward. With Anthony Davis playing at this level, the Lakers appear poised to not only continue their streak but solidify their position as a formidable contender in this campaign.