Anthony Davis' Disappearing Act Threatens Lakers' Chances Against Warriors In NBA Playoffs

Photo: Instagram/ Anthony Davis 

In Game 2 of the Lakers versus Warriors series, Anthony Davis had an uncharacteristically poor performance, scoring only 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks.

This is in stark contrast to his dominant display in Game 1, where he put up 30 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks.

The Lakers cannot hope to win the series if Davis continues to play like this. Even if he had played well in Game 2, the Warriors were fantastic in several areas, making it difficult for the Lakers to win.

Photo: Instagram/Anthony Davis had a relatively small impact in game 2, despite his dominant performance in game 1.

It is not just Davis's performance in Game 2 that is concerning. He has had several subpar games in the past, such as the 4-for-14 and 4-for-13 shooting games against Memphis.

While the Lakers were able to get away with this against the Grizzlies, they cannot afford it against Golden State.

The Warriors have made defensive adjustments, focusing more on Davis, limiting his pick-and-roll game, and forcing him to take jump shots. This strategy was effective, keeping Davis from dominating at the rim, and shutting down his pick-and-roll game.

In a series where games are played every other day until a team wins four, there is no extra time off like in other series. This means that Davis must find a way to maintain his energy level throughout the series.

LeBron James has praised Davis's talent, but the pressure is on him to perform. The Lakers need Davis to be around 25 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks for them to be at their best.

As the series moves to Los Angeles for the next two games, the Lakers must make adjustments, including defensively.

James will do what he does, but much of the outcome depends on which Davis the Lakers get from game to game.

While it is early in the series, Davis's performance will be a pivotal storyline, and the Lakers cannot afford any more disappearing acts from him if they hope to win the series.

Read Next: Father of Retired UFC Star Jorge Masvidal Arrested For Domestic Shooting at Fighter's Miami Home

Source: USA Today 

Comments

Post a Comment

Trending Now

London Boxer Sherif Lawal Dies After Collapsing In Ring During Professional Debut

Image
Photo: Instagram/Sherif Lawal London-based boxer Sherif Lawal tragically passed away after collapsing in the ring during his professional debut on Sunday.  The 29-year-old was knocked down by Portuguese opponent Malam Varela in the fourth round of their middleweight bout at Harrow Leisure Centre.  Lawal received immediate treatment from paramedics at the scene and was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.  Photo: Instagram/Sherif Lawal The British Boxing Board of Control expressed their condolences to Lawal's family, stating, "Condolences to the family of Sherif Lawal following his tragic passing."  Warren Boxing Management, Lawal's representatives, also offered their sympathies, saying, "We would like to send our condolences to all of Sherif’s family, friends, coaches and all those close to him at this tragic time.” Read Next: Jayson Tatum Equals Michael Jordan In Playoff Milestone! Source: BBC Sports  
Read More

Lewis Criticizes Fury’s Strategy In Loss To Usyk

Image
Photo: Instagram/Lennox Lewis Lennox Lewis has criticized Tyson Fury ’s strategy in his fight against Oleksandr Usyk , after Fury lost by split decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This defeat cost Fury his WBC title and his undefeated record, while Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era. Usyk staged a late comeback, winning the fight narrowly. Lewis, the last undisputed champion before this bout, commented on Fury’s approach. "Fury was boxing like he won the fight," Lewis said on DAZN. "No boxer can judge and say they won the fight. Photo: Instagram/Lennox Lewis Every time a round was close, they should look at it like a loss." Two judges scored the fight for Usyk, while one judge scored it 114-113 for Fury. The judges awarded rounds eight, nine, and ten to Usyk, shifting the momentum in his favor after Fury's strong start. Fury taunted Usyk from the start, hurt him in the sixth round, but suffered a 10 count in the ninth. Despi
Read More

City of LA Declares 'Shohei Ohtani Day'; Ohtani Celebrates With Home Run

Image
Photo: Instagram/Shohei Ohtani The City of Los Angeles celebrated its newest honorary day on Friday: " Shohei Ohtani Day." This special recognition will be held every May 17 as long as Ohtani plays for the Dodgers, which will be for at least the next decade. The day began with a ceremony at City Hall where Ohtani was honored for his athletic achievements and his impact as a Japanese American. Dodgers officials, including manager Dave Roberts, attended the event where the city council presented Ohtani with a special resolution. Ohtani didn’t stop there. He returned to Dodger Stadium and hit a two-run homer off the Reds’ Frankie Montas, helping the Dodgers secure a 7-3 win. "We’ll take the home run on Shohei Ohtani Day," Roberts said. "That was a big hit. We just marvel at what he does." Photo: Instagram/Shohei Ohtani Ohtani has made a significant mark since his MLB debut in 2018. He was named American League Rookie of the Year, became the first Japanese-bo
Read More

Oleksandr Usyk Beats Tyson Fury To Win Undisputed Heavyweight Title

Image
Photo: Instagram/Oleksandr Usyk Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by split decision to become the undisputed heavyweight champion at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This victory unified all four major boxing belts, establishing Usyk as the top fighter in the heavyweight division. The match lived up to the fans' expectations. Usyk started strong, landing clean shots in the first round. Despite being the smaller man, he forced Fury into defensive positions with his aggressive approach. Fury, known for his resilience, began to find his rhythm in the third round, using his jab effectively and pushing the fight to the center of the ring. By the fifth round, Fury had figured out Usyk’s timing and started landing more punches, particularly with his uppercut. Photo: Instagram/Oleksandr Usyk Usyk, however, didn't back down. In the seventh round, he regained momentum with sharp combinations that cut Fury. The highlight came in the ninth round when Usyk landed a powerful combina
Read More

Knicks' Josh Hart Exits Game 6 With Abdominal Soreness

Image
Photo: Instagram/Josh Hart New York Knicks' key player, Josh Hart , left Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers due to abdominal soreness.  The game took place on Friday night, and Hart was seen holding his midsection multiple times before asking to be taken out. The Pacers won the game 116-103, forcing a decisive Game 7 at Madison Square Garden on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Photo: Instagram/Josh Hart Hart's status for Game 7 remains uncertain. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said, "We’ll see," when asked about Hart’s condition. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson added, "I would assume he’s playing. It’s Game 7." Hart played 31 minutes before his exit, adding to the Knicks' injury woes. The team is already missing key players Julius Randle , OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, and Bojan Bogdanovic.  Josh Hart is in some pain on the bench. pic.twitter.com/SxAvNvOZGR — Knicks Nation (@KnicksNation) May 18, 2024 Hart has been a reliabl
Read More

Timberwolves' Gobert Fined $75K For Referee Gesture In Playoff Clash

Image
Photo: Instagram/Rudy Gobert Minnesota Timberwolves' big man, Rudy Gobert , found himself in hot water after flashing a cash sign at NBA referees during Game 4 of their playoff series against the Denver Nuggets.  The NBA swiftly responded by slapping him with a hefty $75,000 fine, deeming his gesture inappropriate and unprofessional.  This isn't the first time Gobert has clashed with referees; earlier in the season, he received a $100,000 fine for the same gesture.  Photo: Instagram/Rudy Gobert Despite being known for his defensive prowess , Gobert's impact hasn't been as significant in the playoffs, with the Timberwolves struggling to maintain their defensive edge.  With the series tied, Gobert faces pressure to step up his game as the Timberwolves prepare to take on the Nuggets in Game 5. The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/KAGG2iIaSr — NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 14, 2024 Read Next: Bronny James Shines In Shooting Drills Despite Height Setb
Read More

Shohei Ohtani Surprises 13-Year-Old Fan With Unforgettable First Pitch Experience

Image
Photo: Instagram/Shohei Ohtani There’s nothing quite like the smile on a young fan’s face when they meet their favorite player. That smile was multiplied by a thousand when Shohei Ohtani walked into 13-year-old Albert's hospital room. Thursday was Ohtani’s bobblehead night, and before the game, the Dodgers superstar surprised Albert, a pediatric patient at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. Albert's reaction was priceless when Ohtani entered the room. He looked like he couldn’t believe it was real, similar to Elly De La Cruz ’s disbelief when he met Ohtani at second base last season. “Nervous?” Ohtani asked after shaking Albert’s hand. He then gave the teen a signed jersey and dropped the biggest surprise of all: Albert would be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, with Ohtani catching. Photo: Instagram/Shohei Ohtani Albert was speechless, a reaction that surprised one of his family members. “I’ve never seen him this quiet before. He’s so quiet,” they said. Ohtani had one mo
Read More

UFC Fighter Michel Pereira Branded A Hero For Saving Animals In Brazil Floods

Image
Photo: Instagram/Michel Pereira After his thrilling victory at UFC 301, Michel Pereira is making headlines again, but this time for his heroic efforts in rescuing stranded animals amidst the devastating floods in southern Brazil. Fresh off his impressive win, Pereira is now on the "front line" of the floods, supporting his local community in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The floods have left over 1.4 million people affected and claimed the lives of over 143 individuals, according to reports. In addition to first responders, Pereira has joined the efforts to rescue animals trapped by rising water levels or abandoned by their owners. Photo: Instagram/Michel Pereira Sharing his experiences on social media, Pereira expressed his exhaustion but unwavering commitment to help. He described the scenes as something he had never seen before, emphasizing the need for support in this crisis. So far, Pereira and others have rescued more than 10,000 stranded animals, showcasing the magnitude
Read More

Bronny James Shines In Shooting Drills Despite Height Setback at 2024 NBA Draft Combine

Image
Photo: Instagram/Bronny James In the ongoing saga of the NBA Draft Combine, size continues to play a significant role, influencing the fates of young prospects hoping to make it big in the league. This year's event showcased a mix of surprises and disappointments, none more notable than Bronny James , son of NBA icon LeBron James . Bronny James, previously listed at a solid 6-foot-4 during his college stint at USC, fell short in height measurements at the combine, coming in at 6-foot-1.5 without shoes. However, he quickly shifted the narrative with an impressive display of shooting prowess, reminiscent of basketball legend Larry Bird. James excelled in the 3-point shooting drill, finishing second among all participants, demonstrating his potential despite his stature. While James' performance left analysts pondering his draft prospects, other standout measurements drew attention. Providence's Devin Carter stole the spotlight with his exceptional athleticism, boasting record
Read More

Spurs Rookie Victor Wembanyama's 1st 'Big Purchase' Was Fitting, Yet Unexpected

Image
Photo: Instagram/Victor Wembanyama The excitement surrounding Victor Wembanyama , the San Antonio Spurs' first overall pick , reached new heights as the towering rookie made a surprising revelation about his inaugural big purchase as an NBA star. Before his selection, Wembanyama shared his plans for his first significant buy during a dinner with guests. Amidst the anticipation, his choice stood out for its uniqueness and resonance with his character. The scene unfolded as Wembanyama, fresh off a stellar performance against the Phoenix Suns, found himself in an unexpected exchange with NBA legends Charles Barkley , Shaquille O'Neal , Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. Barkley's inquiry about the French delicacy 'churro' prompted a humorous moment, showcasing Wembanyama's earnestness and adjustment to American culture. Photo: Instagram/Victor Wembanyama Despite the playful banter, Wembanyama's authenticity and passion shone through, particularly evident in his fo
Read More