The Los Angeles Lakers have once again demonstrated their championship potential, securing a tightly contested victory over the New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 104-99. This victory, pivotal in the Lakers' current momentum, marks their fifth consecutive win, propelling them to a solid 9-4 record early in the season.
Dominating Performance by Anthony Davis
Central to the Lakers' success was Anthony Davis, who delivered an impressive performance by scoring 31 points and securing 14 rebounds. Davis, who has been in exceptional form this season, led the charge against the Pelicans and achieved this milestone for the eighth time this season, scoring at least 30 points in those games.
His marksmanship from beyond the arc proved crucial. Davis has been enhancing his reputation as a versatile big man, successfully making two of his four three-point attempts in the game. Remarkably, this marked his fifth consecutive game with multiple three-point shots, showcasing a significant improvement in his shooting prowess.
A Transformation from the Perimeter
Davis's recent shooting surge is noteworthy; he achieved a 62.5% success rate on three-point attempts over the past five games. This is a significant leap from his historical performance, where he managed just a 25% success rate on three-point attempts between 2021 and 2024. In contrast, during the seasons from 2018 to 2020, he maintained at least a 33% success rate from the three-point line each year, demonstrating that he is more than capable of shooting effectively from range.
"It's huge for our team," Davis acknowledged after the game, highlighting the strategic importance of his improved shooting. The ability to stretch defenses by drawing big men out from the paint gives the Lakers an edge, as Davis explained, "A lot of guys will be in the paint and try to help, especially big men. I fell victim to it a couple times. But it's just instinctual for a big to be in the paint, especially when one of the guards has the ball and they're driving or in a post-up."
A Tactical Advantage
The implications of Davis's ability to add three-point shooting to his arsenal were further elaborated upon by the player himself. "So for me to be able to step out and make a couple 3s definitely put us over the hump and put the defense in a bind, especially the big men," Davis said, noting the predicament for the opposition. "They're either gonna leave me open or have [LeBron James], [Austin Reaves], [Rui Hachimura], whoever is in the post or has the ball, has single coverage and go to work."
Lakers' Offensive Surge
The Lakers, riding high on their current form, boast the best offensive rating in the league during their five-game winning streak, chalking up an impressive 122.6 rating. This offensive efficiency is a testament to their cohesive team dynamics and the role each player has embraced.
As the season progresses, the Lakers appear to be hitting their stride, with players like Anthony Davis leading by example. His adaptable playing style not only enhances the Lakers' tactical options but also boosts their prospects in what promises to be a fiercely competitive season. With Davis and the team in such formidable form, the Lakers seem well-poised to continue their ascent and solidify their standing as title contenders once more.