Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis was an absolute train wreck in a Game 1 loss against the Phoenix Suns, with Deandre Ayton badly outplaying him in his playoff debut. There was plenty of criticism aimed at Davis, which he took to heart.
Davis used the criticism as fuel and apparently showed up to Monday's practice “pissed off,” according to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes. He allegedly set the tone when he “walked into the gym deadpanned and voiceless,” all while LeBron James was actually the “light-hearted” one. James, of course, is no stranger to losing Games 1s.
Davis then stayed an extra hour late after practice in order to “get this s*** right.” The Lakers even had to leave an entire bus for him and a few other staff members. So inconsiderate!
Of course, Davis made sure it all paid off, going for 34 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in a 109-102 Game 2 victory. He got to the foul line 21 times and made 18 of his freebies.
Davis also made some of the biggest plays of the game on both ends of the floor after Frank Vogel finally put him at center to close the game. The Lakers immediately went on a run to pull away after it looked like the Suns could steal the game, with Davis dominating the interior defensively and also hitting a clutch 3-pointer.
The Lakers need the Game 2 version of Davis on a nightly basis in order to repeat as champions. The Game 1 version played soft and without much aggression, while the Game 2 version was more aggressive going to the basket to draw fouls. We all know what he's capable of when he's engaged, but that player doesn't always show up.
Stay getting mad in practice, AD.
Follow Us
Subscribe