New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis has become the first NBA player since Shaquille O'Neal to record 196 points and 72 rebounds over a five-game span, according to a report from ESPN Stats & Info.
Via ESPN and the Elias Sports Bureau:
“Davis is the first NBA player since Shaquille O’Neal in March 2000 to produce at least that many points and rebounds over a five-game span and the first since Moses Malone in February 1982 to do so with his team winning all five games. O’Neal had a 209/77 (points/rebounds) stretch over five games for the Lakers, while Malone had a 216/99 span during five straight wins by the Rockets.”
The Pelicans extended their winning streak to five games with a 123–121 victory over Milwaukee on Sunday. Davis played 43 minutes, scoring 27 points on 12-26 shooting from the field, 13 rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and two steals.
Davis, 24, has established himself as one of the best big men in today's NBA. In fact, some experts and analysts claim that he is the best big in the league. The 6-10 former No. 1 overall pick has great ball-handling skills, a solid perimeter shot, and a strong hankering for cleaning glass.
In his 53 games played for the Pelicans this season, Davis has racked up averages of 27.7 points on 53.7 percent shooting from the field (34.7 percent from beyond the arc), 10.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists — all while knocking down 82.1 percent of his free-throws.
Without a doubt the Pelicans will be looking to keep their momentum rolling. Their first shot at doing so comes on Monday night, as they're scheduled to host the Phoenix Suns inside the Smoothie King Center. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST with FOX Sports New Orleans having live broadcast coverage.