Exceptional for a month, Anthony Davis has been performing crazy performances to help the Lakers get their heads above water. Finally, we found the AD we were waiting for. Finally, the monobrow has once again become that incredible machine on both sides of the court. And Kevin Garnett, who had not been kind to Davis this summer, can only underline the level of play of the guy.
“He can be so much better than he is. He should aim for the MVP title for the 2022-23 season. It is up to him to carry the torch.”
That’s basically what Kevin Garnett said last July in an attempt to sound the revolt at Anthony Davis after two very disappointing seasons following the bubble title in 2020. Six months later, we can say that KG has been heard.
32 points average, 14.2 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 1.3 steals, all at 65% in shooting including 87% in free throws.
These are Davis’ stats from his last 12 games, which resulted in eight Lakers wins. Named in particular player of the week at the beginning of December after his enormous performances against the Bucks of Giannis (44 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks) then the Wizards (55 points, 17 rebounds, 3 blocks), AD evolves today at that long-awaited level of MVP.
So obviously, Kevin Garnett’s speech has changed a lot since then.
“Have you seen AD play?” KG swung at his pal Paul Pierce on his podcast. “He rocks. He plays fiery in this run. My biggest question mark is can he stay at such a pace? Can he be consistent at this level and continue to ride the wave? […] But big up to AD for what it does. Keep it up, don’t stop.”
It’s simple, we had not seen such a dominant Anthony Davis since the title of the Lakers in the bubble, or even since his New Orleans years.
Nevertheless, as KG says, we can’t help but ask ourselves the following question: How long can all this last? Because we all know the physical fragility of Davis as well as his history of injuries. We know that everything can change from one moment to another with him. We just remember that AD remains on two seasons with only 76 games played and a production much lower (22.5 points, 8.9 rebounds) than what can be expected from such a talent.
We obviously cross our fingers that the monobrow stays healthy and continues at a similar pace. If so, the Lakers will be able to revise their ambitions upwards, especially since LeBron James is also warming up quite seriously.
“This is the version of AD the Lakers need. He has to take the lead, be number 1. If he continues, if AD is in the MVP discussion, then the Lakers have something on their hands.
We all know what he is capable of, but it’s a question of mentality. He is the only one in the NBA who can compete with the Greek Freak [Giannis Antetokounmpo, ndlr.] when he takes it personally, like when he scored 40+ points (against Milwaukee). If AD continues like this, the Lakers will make the playoffs, no doubt.”
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Source texte : KG Certified: Ticket & The Truth (SHOWTIME Basketball)