In a gripping contest, the Los Angeles Lakers emerged victorious over the New Orleans Pelicans with a narrow 104-99 win, a testament to their polished tactics and impenetrable offense. This victory marks the Lakers' fifth straight win, positioning them with a 9-4 record and maintaining a dominant form early in the season.
Central to this winning streak is Anthony Davis, whose performance has been nothing short of phenomenal. Against the Pelicans, Davis poured in 31 points and secured 14 rebounds, showcasing his dual ability to dominate both the paint and the perimeter. His shooting from beyond the arc has particularly caught attention, as it has added another layer to the Lakers' offensive arsenal. Against New Orleans, Davis made two out of his four three-point attempts, extending his streak to five consecutive games with multiple three-point shots.
Reflecting on his pivotal role in the game, Davis noted, "It's huge for our team." His resurgence in perimeter shooting is particularly notable given historical stats. From 2021 to 2024, Davis had a modest three-point success rate of 25%. However, his recent form tells a different story, boasting a remarkable 62.5% success rate from beyond the arc over the past five games. This marks a return to the shooting form of the 2018 to 2020 seasons, when he reliably shot at least 33% from the three-point line.
Davis elaborated on his recent shooting prowess, saying, "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." The strategic advantage of Davis’s ability to shoot from distance becomes apparent when defenses collapse to protect the paint, only to be punished by his newfound range.
"So for me to be able to step out and make a couple 3s definitely put us over the hump," Davis reflected, underscoring the tactical bind this places on opposing defenses, particularly their big men. His deep shooting stretches the floor, leaving the defense torn between giving him open looks or leaving LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and others with advantageous opportunities in single coverage.
This versatility in offense has been a cornerstone for the Lakers' current success. During their five-game winning streak, they boast the league's top offensive rating at 122.6, a figure reflective of both individual performances and cohesive team play. The balance between interior dominance and perimeter threat has turned them into a formidable force early in the season.
Davis's current form, coupled with the Lakers' overall team effort, speaks volumes about their championship aspirations. The blend of individual brilliance and collective synergy poses a perennial challenge to any opponent, signaling the Lakers as a team to watch as the season progresses. As Anthony Davis continues to redefine his role within the team while contributing across various facets of the game, the stage is set for what could be a season filled with accolades and achievements.