Things got off to a rather contentious start for Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of their first-round matchup against the Phoenix Suns. AD kicked things off — literally — with a controversial hit on the nether regions of Suns forward Jae Crowder.
Davis was whistled for a flagrant foul for extending his right foot after being fouled by Crowder on a jump shot attempt:
Bullseye or ballseye? 😳😬 #nba #anthonydavis pic.twitter.com/BdpJW8QV6D
— SuperPHIT (@SuperPHIT) May 26, 2021
Anthony Davis kicked out his leg on the shot attempt and struck Jae Crowder in the groin area.
AD was given a flagrant 1 foul. pic.twitter.com/0M8bwQbPy8
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 26, 2021




Davis' act was deemed as excessive, and after watching the replay several times, it does seem like the call was warranted. Clearly, though, it was Jae Crowder who ended up on the wrong end of this exchange.
Davis will be playing with a chip on his shoulder in this one following a much-criticized performance in Game 1's defeat. AD managed just 13 points in Sunday's 99-90 loss, as he went an uncharacteristic 5-of-16 from the floor. Davis missed all of his attempts from deep, and he made just 3-of-5 from the line in what was a forgettable evening for him.
The Lakers need their superstar big man to come up with a much better outing in what feels like a must-win Game 2, and by the looks of it, AD isn't messing around early on. We're in store for a good one.