Anthony Davis is indisputably the franchise player for the New Orleans Pelicans. He is also one of the best players in the NBA. However, in the Pelicans' last two games, Davis has been rather modest. Against the Grizzlies on Saturday, Davis scored 21 points and grabbed 12 boards. However, he only scored 2 points in the second half. Also, against the Hawks on Wednesday, Davis scored only 8 points on 2-8 shooting. According to William Guillory of NOLA.com, Davis was not even concerned about his lack of touches recently.
“I'm not worried about that,” Davis said. “We've got other guys that are able to score the basketball. I just try to go out there and do the little things, the intangibles. Everybody's complaining about eight shots,” Davis said while shaking his head. “I decided to not shoot the ball. (The Hawks) were sending two guys at me, three guys, and I was just facilitating and getting other guys involved. I was doing whatever it takes.”
This is an intelligent take from Davis, who would rather set up his teammates than force up shots on double teams. Head coach Alvin Gentry shared the same sentiments about Davis' lack of shots.
“We have to try to move the basketball, but we also can't force the ball in and he won't force shots,” said Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry. “You'd like to get him shots, but there were other situations where teams were doubling him and he didn't even have the basketball. … When that happens, he's got to be willing to pass and move and get other guys involved and you're not going to find a better guy to do that than (Davis).”
The Pelicans will face the Bulls on Monday night. Regardless if Davis dominates the game, he seems determined to set up his teammates no matter what.
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