Anthony Davis was in top form during the Lakers’ playoff series opener against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. While he scored 22 points, it was his defensive prowess that left the biggest imprint on the game. Davis finished with 12 rebounds, seven blocked shots, and three steals, altering shots and stopping drives. Despite making four NBA All-Defensive teams, Davis has never won the NBA’s defensive player of the year award. However, his influence internally is without question, as coach Darvin Ham wisely built his defense around Davis and his versatility and smarts.
The Lakers have had better communication over the last two months, which has helped the team accelerate the learning curve from a lack of continuity. Davis has discovered that he has a large « ownership » on the team’s fortunes, and his on-court demeanor has changed. He has been more forceful, more willing to verbalize disappointment with blown coverages and mistakes. Accountability will be key as the Lakers head into an unknown situation in Game 2, with Morant questionable because of a right hand injury he suffered near the end of Game 1.
As the stakes have been raised by the playoffs, Davis’ approach has undoubtedly tightened with his expectations for himself and the team increasing as the Lakers begin to realize their postseason potential. The Lakers will try to go up 2-0 on the Grizzlies on Wednesday night in Memphis, with Davis’ defensive prowess about to be overshadowed. The fear of trailing the Lakers 2-0 in a best-of-seven series is a tremendous motivator for the Grizzlies to earn a split here before heading to Los Angeles for a pair of games.
Keywords: Anthony Davis, Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, playoffs, defensive prowess, communication, accountability, postseason potential.
