The NBA hasn’t seen this kind of large man dominance within the playoffs from a Los Angeles Lakers star for the reason that nice Shaquille ‘Shaq’ O’Neal.
That’s how dynamic Lakers centre Anthony Davis has been this postseason for the boys in purple and gold.
Davis placed on a present in Los Angeles’ Recreation 1 victory over the Warriors, dropping an imposing 30 factors, 23 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks.
This spectacular stat line helped him change into the primary Laker to have no less than 30 factors and 20 boards within the playoffs since O’Neal in 2004.
Davis additionally joined Lakers royalty Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor within the file books.
Golden State merely had no solutions for the Lakers large man within the paint whereas he proved to be the final word rim protector to restrict the Warriors offensively.
It’s becoming that Davis sits within the annals of hoops historical past alongside O’Neal given ‘Shaq’ challenged him to goal up earlier this season.
On February 28, ‘Shaq’ mentioned: “I don’t need to say this disrespectfully, however he (Davis) has fell off.”
Since O’Neal’s spray, Davis has averaged 25.2 factors, 13.4 rebounds and a pair of.7 blocks.
This way has been on show in spades for Los Angeles this postseason.
Lakers celebrity LeBron James has no doubts that Davis will likely be immortalised when he finally hangs up his sneakers.
“The No. 3 will likely be up within the rafters … he continues to indicate why he’s one of the dynamic gamers within the league,” James mentioned after the Recreation 1 win.
Look ahead to the Warriors to reply in Recreation 2 with a stronger capturing efficiency, particularly from Curry.
The gun guard shot 10 of 24 from the sphere (41.7 per cent) and 6 of 13 from three (46.2 per cent).
It is a drop for Curry primarily based on his excessive requirements – and he’ll hit again in Recreation 2 to assist the Warriors keep away from a 2-0 collection gap.
Initially printed as NBA Playoffs: Lakers v Warriors stay stream, scores, weblog, protection, Australian begin time
