The Los Angeles Lakers continued their impressive form with a hard-fought 104-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, marking their fifth consecutive win in the NBA season. This game showcased the Lakers' resilience and their offensive prowess, as they maintained the best offensive rating in the league during their winning streak, currently standing at an impressive 122.6. The Lakers now boast a 9-4 record, reflecting their upward trajectory.
Anthony Davis Shines Bright
At the heart of this victory was Anthony Davis, who delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 31 points and collecting 14 rebounds. This game added to Davis's growing list of stellar performances, as it was his eighth outing this season scoring at least 30 points. Known for his presence in the paint, Davis has recently shown an increased proficiency from beyond the arc, which adds a new dimension to his game.
Davis's improved three-point shooting was evident against the Pelicans, where he made two out of four attempts. This game marked his fifth consecutive outing with multiple three-point shots, showcasing his growth in this aspect of his game. Over the past five games, he has maintained a remarkable 62.5% success rate from three-point range—an impressive feat considering his historical average from 2021 to 2024 was just 25%.
Reflecting on his ability to stretch the floor, Davis expressed its importance: "It's huge for our team," he said. "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. 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."
Strategic Depth and Team Dynamics
Davis’s newfound accuracy from beyond the arc not only boosts his personal stats but also provides strategic depth to the Lakers. His threat from distance forces opposing big men to step further from the basket, thereby freeing up the paint for his teammates to exploit. With defenders compelled to choose between leaving Davis open or guarding other formidable Lakers players like LeBron James and Austin Reaves, the Lakers' offensive options become multifaceted.
"A lot of guys will be in the paint and try to help, especially big men. I fell victim to it a couple times," Davis elaborated. "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 Look at the Lakers' Winning Streak
The Lakers have been revitalized, driven largely by their effective offense, spearheaded by Davis’s adaptability and skill. During this winning streak, Los Angeles has consistently exceeded expectations, thanks in large part to their ability to make tactical adjustments and capitalize on their strengths. Each player on the team appears to understand their role, and their cohesiveness is translating into consistent on-court performances.
With Anthony Davis firing on all cylinders, the Lakers have become a formidable force in the Western Conference. His contributions, both inside and outside the paint, serve as a blueprint for the Lakers' continued success in this NBA season. As the team maintains its momentum, the rest of the league is on notice that the Lakers are a team to be reckoned with.