"Anthony Davis IS HIM!" - Fans ecstatic after AD goes OFF for 30 with bloody nose vs Ja Morant-less Grizzlies, Lakers move to play-in spot
Anthony Davis continued to carry the load for the LA Lakers in LeBron James' absence with a monster performance in the team's 113-102 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Davis bagged 30 points, 22 rebounds and two rebounds. The Lakers improved to 32-34 following the victory, moving to ninth in the Western Conference standings, their best ranking this season.
The Lakers needed Davis to play at an MVP-caliber level on both ends of the floor after James was recently sidelined for multiple weeks due to a tendon injury in his right foot.
It was a crucial performance from "The Brow" as it was legendary former Lakers player Pau Gasol's jersey retirement night. AD received MVP chants from the crowd, while the NBA fraternity and fans online lauded the former Pelicans star for his monster performance against the Grizzlies. Here are some of the top reactions:
YESSIR!!!!! #LakeShow @AntDavis23 youโre a ANIMAL!!! ๐ค๐ค๐ค
ANTHONY DAVIS IS HIM ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ https://t.co/FGKOQFf9KV
@KingJames @AntDavis23 https://t.co/47Wjz95Ejn
@KingJames @AntDavis23 ANTHONY DAVIS IS BACK!!! https://t.co/HxGOFC9Xyf
@KingJames @AntDavis23 Shaq after saying AD fell off: https://t.co/8nZwFl9JJG
@statmuse AD WITHOUT BRON https://t.co/dh1vcTDNDn
A healthy Anthony Davis is just DIFFERENT!!! Heโs on his GROWN MAN shit right now. Carry the hell onโฆ
@LakersDailyCom MVP AD is back https://t.co/9alIufzx8U
@Lakers GRIZZLIES KNEW THEY FUCKED UP! ๐ค https://t.co/Jeps37a7zE
@TheNBACentral https://t.co/dCzlNdZdrE
@TheNBACentral https://t.co/Gce2j9aNPg
@TheNBACentral Society when AD is healthy https://t.co/ADWrMvedL0
@TheNBACentral LAKERS GONNA MAKE THE PLAYOFFS LMAO LEAGUE IN SHAMBLES
Anthony Davis paving the way for LA Lakers to return to the playoffs
Anthony Davis, when healthy, has led the LA Lakers to new heights. His two-way ability is arguably unparalleled, which has been crucial to the Lakers' recent success, especially with LeBron James out. The new-look roster after the trade deadline has contributed to the Lakers climbing into the play-in bracket after spending most of the year out of the top 10 seedings.
It has helped them stay afloat in James' absence. At times, in Davis', too. The Lakers are currently two games behind the fifth and sixth seeds, 1.5 games behind the seventh and eighth seeds. They are in better shape and form than most teams in that bracket, so a top-six finish is a realistic goal for Darvin Ham's team.
Anthony Davis has been labeled as a vital cog for the LA Lakers to be successful this season. Many believed he was the heir to LeBron James as the franchise's torch bearer after they won a championship in his first season. However, he failed to live up to the billing.
Injuries hampered Davis' performances, and his absence cost the Lakers a shot at competing against their rivals. AD has played with great motivation this season when available. He has missed 25 games this year, but that hasn't impacted his rhythm.
Since LeBron James' last game, Anthony Davis has averaged 33.8 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, shooting on 55/40/80 splits. The Lakers have won seven of their last 10 games and are looking increasingly likely to secure a top-six finish.