Sunday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Davis led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 120-109 victory with 27 points, 25 rebounds (a season high), and seven steals (a career high).
Five assists and three blocked goals rounded out one of Davis’ most productive performances of his illustrious career. After a Minnesota lineup that was without four regulars and its top two big men due to injuries, the nine-time All-Star feasted, accumulating 21 rebounds in the second half and spearheading a 21-4 surge to start the fourth quarter as the Lakers pulled away for their twelfth victory in seventeen games.
Davis said, “Everyone’s confidence is at an all-time high when we are having a good time.” “We hold each other accountable and simply play the right way when we speak ill of the other team while talking smack.” We have experience with what it takes. “All that matters is maintaining the consistency of performing in that manner on an eveningly basis.”
Sportradar ranks Davis as the eighth player since the 1982-83 season to record a game with at least 25 points, 25 rebounds, and five assists. Nikola Jokic, who accomplished the feat last season, joined Charles Barkley and Kevin Garnett on the short list.
“Ten offensive rebounds is absurd,” said Austin Reaves, who led Los Angeles with 19 points. “I did believe that whenever we missed a shot, he was there to provide us with a second chance through offensive rebounds or by getting himself to the line.” Regarding the thefts, I am uncertain. The thefts are absurd. A remarkable seven recoveries is truly remarkable.”
LeBron James contributed to the Lakers’ six-game homestand with 29 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds in defeating another elite opponent after virtue of victories over Oklahoma City and Milwaukee. Los Angeles leads by six games at 36-30.500 for the first time since the last day of the regular season in 2021-22.
In his rookie campaign for Minnesota, Naz Reid recorded 25 points and five three-pointers on behalf of the team that made 16 of its season-high 46 3-point attempts. Davis scored a career-high 34 points off Reid’s second consecutive exceptional performance against Cleveland last Friday, but the Wolves’ depleted interior defense was unable to contain him in the absence of Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert.
Davis stated, “This team is No. 2 in the Western Conference, but it is still a good team.” “They may be missing key members of their lineup, but they still have players capable of making plays, and they continue to find ways to win ballgames.” “We simply wanted to win as a team, recognizing the significance of this game and our position in the standings as we attempted to close the gap in the standings.”
Additionally, Anthony Edwards contributed to the Wolves’ 25 points despite their four-of-six losses. With nine consecutive missed attempts to begin the fourth quarter, Minnesota allowed Los Angeles to pull away.
“Although there was some reduction in ball movement during the fourth period, it was the offensive rebounds on the opposing side that proved to be more detrimental to us,” stated Minnesota coach Chris Finch. “At that point, it was difficult to comprehend how many second shots there were, and I was optimistic that we could make a comeback… Davis should have dominated us.” He was substantial. He was tall. That entire assortment was in his possession. It took them seven to eight seconds to move him into the paint after each shot. It is straightforward to obtain it. However, greater effort must be devoted to locating him.”
James made his return to action following his ninth absence this season due to injury. On Friday night, the Lakers defeated Milwaukee 123-122, aided by D’Angelo Russell’s 44-point effort. Davis sustained a left shoulder injury in a collision with Giannis Antetokounmpo during that game, but it did not appear to hinder him significantly.
Edwards persevered despite suffering an ankle injury, whereas Gobert was substituted due to discomfort in his right hamstring. The NBA fined Gobert $100,000 on Sunday morning, the third-lowest scorer of the season, for a succession of violations that called into question the integrity of the NBA’s Friday officiating.
Towns has missed three consecutive games for Minnesota following a diagnosis of a ruptured meniscus in his left knee. As a result of surgery, the big man will presumably be sidelined until the postseason.
Additionally, Kyle Anderson was sidelined with discomfort in his right shoulder, and Monte Morris suffered his second consecutive absence due to a strained left hamstring.
Cam Reddish was declared out for the Lakers due to a sprained right ankle. It was his second consecutive game missed subsequent to his late February return from a month-long absence due to injury.
