NBA Playoffs 2024: Ex-Warriors Coach Compels Anthony Davis to Subdue Nikola Jokic, Issues Bold Challenge to Prove HoF Status
Follow Us
The Los Angeles Lakers are only hours away from their first playoff game against their arch nemesis the Denver Nuggets. Although Los Angeles had a lot of opportunity to get a read on Denver’s game this season, the results are a clean sweep mirroring the conference finals last year. So, how can the Lake show match up to the seemingly undefeatable Nuggets? The Answer lies in their big man Anthony Davis.
Ex-Warriors head coach Mark Jackson had some bold words for the 6’10 center in the ‘Night Mode’ podcast. “Anthony Davis, your numbers have been very good, but let’s talk about the facts. You’re both first-ballot Hall of Famers. Let’s talk about the facts from last year,” said Jackson.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He further challenged AD to survive Nikola Jokic, one of the all time greats, against whom the power forward has fallen multiple times. “If we are to survive and move forward, I’m asking you to win that matchup.” While Coach Jackson did put the harsh truth of Davis’ failure last year he does accept that Lakers can win.
In the end, the Ex Warriors coach gives the Big Man a pep talk, “I’m asking a Hall of Famer to outplay another Hall of Famer. This is the ideal matchup for you. We’re going to go to you, we’re going to milk it, and we want you to be aggressive offensively and then be the AD that dominates on the defensive end. It’s not asking much for you to come out of this series as the best big man in this series.”
Anthony Davis vs. The Nuggets an Analysis
Davis averaged 22.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in the last 6 games he played against Denver. This is exactly the kind of performance that is needed to triumph over the Nuggets in the series. However, Jokic single-handedly leads in three statistical categories including points (26.4), assists (9), and steals (1.37).
The key to stopping the Nuggets lies in stifling their ball movement, a task that requires staunch defense from the Lakers. AD’s reputation for dominance on both ends of the floor, particularly defensively, makes him essential in guarding the Joker with utmost intensity. Offensively, the Lakers boast ample firepower with players like D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. So if Davis takes the match-up seriously the Lakers might pull off the upset.
Trending
Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $20 Million Venture’s Identical Logo to Puma Gets Defended by Dwyane Wade: “I’m Not Even Getting Paid”
May 03, 2024 06:07 AM EDT
Rich Paul: Only Savannah James & Bronny Could Cut LeBron’s 5-Year Plan Short
May 02, 2024 07:10 PM EDT
WNBA’s Sad Policy Begins Haunting Rookie Caitlin Clark in Dallas: “Liberty Were Fined $500K…”
May 03, 2024 04:06 AM EDT
Savannah James Will Not Let 9YO Zhuri Follow Women’s Fashion Liberation: “Only So Far I Would Go”
April 30, 2024 06:06 PM EDT
Mavs Injury Report: Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr, and Others’ Availability Ahead Of Game 6 vs Clippers
May 03, 2024 02:12 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Edited by:
Shivatmika Manvi