The last time the Los Angeles Lakers faced the San Antonio Spurs, Anthony Davis was an offensive powerhouse, posting an impressive 40 points and 12 rebounds in a Lakers victory. This time, the Spurs adjusted their defensive strategy against Davis, prompting him to adapt and dominate the game in a different way.
Davis ended the night with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and a season-high seven assists, as the Lakers defeated the Spurs once again, snapping their three-game losing streak. The Lakers as a team dished out 31 assists, with LeBron James leading the way with 11 while securing his sixth triple-double of the season. However, head coach JJ Redick emphasized that it was Davis’ playmaking that set the tone for the team.
After the game, Redick praised Davis for his ability to dissect the Spurs’ defensive scheme, which involved sending multiple defenders his way. Via Spectrum SportsNet, Redick shared:
“Really with our passing, I thought it started with AD. He had 39 here the last time we played, so they were sending bodies to him, and we tried to get him the ball early in his spots to score. He was picking them apart. He just was a facilitator. Look, I’ve only coached him 18 games now, and the 19 points or whatever he ended up with is not gonna jump off the page, but he was a monster tonight, and he does it every night. He does everything that it takes to win every single night.”
This game highlighted Davis’ incredible versatility, as he showcased his ability to control the game beyond scoring or defense. His passing sparked the Lakers’ offense, setting the stage for a much-needed victory.
Davis also addressed his approach to passing, explaining how the Spurs’ defensive adjustments opened up opportunities for his teammates. He credited them for stepping up and hitting their shots:
“They were doubling off the passer. As soon as I caught it, there were two in my lap, so just making the right reads and getting off the basketball, hitting the guys that were open. Credit to these guys for making shots. They played me a lot differently; they didn’t play me one-on-one like they did the other time when we were here, and I was just trying to make the right reads.”
Davis has been the Lakers’ driving force all season, consistently delivering in every facet of the game to help secure victories. The Spurs learned firsthand that trying to force him into a facilitating role only creates new challenges for opposing defenses.
Anthony Davis Pleased with Lakers’ Bounce-Back Win Against Spurs
For Anthony Davis, the top priority remains winning, and the Lakers needed this bounce-back performance after three straight losses.
Davis expressed his satisfaction with the team’s effort, emphasizing the importance of responding positively after setbacks. He noted the Lakers’ strong execution on both ends of the court and their ability to counter every run the Spurs made during the game.
