The New Orleans Pelicans picked Anthony Davis in the NBA Draft 2012. Since then, he could appear in the Playoffs only twice before this running season. He is one of those very few NBA players who have averaged better in the post-season than in the regular season. In fact, he is standing right next to Michael Jordan in a playoff record.
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AD’s agility, fluid athleticism, and aerial attacks are some weapons that make him a stupendous defensive player. He ended up second to Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Defensive Player of the Year Award 2020. But his recent heroics against the Portland Trail Blazers have helped him break into uncharted territories.
The Los Angeles Lakers Forward stands next to Michael Jordan
AD’s performance was under the scanner as soon as the Orlando Bubble season kicked off. NBA analysts were criticizing him in almost every other game, but he turned the tide as soon as the series with Blazers began.
Anthony Davis in 18 career playoff games:
30.3 PPG*
11.8 RPG
2.3 BPG
53.7 FG%*Second all-time to Michael Jordan pic.twitter.com/WRvjDWH5hS
— StatMuse (@statmuse) August 30, 2020
Michael Jordan, just like Anthony Davis, averaged better in the Playoffs. One must take into account the fact that these players take part in a small ratio of playoff games when compared to regular-season games. Hence, having a better record might sound easier, but one must also consider the intangible workload that comes with performing in these high-pressure games.
Michael Jordan played 179 playoff games (10 times more than AD) and still averaged 33.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. He overall played 1072 games and averaged 30.1 points per game in regular-season. So AD might never beat Jordan, but he can be complacent with that second position in this category.
Anthony Davis’s importance in the Playoffs
The 6’10” man with a wingspan of 7’5” is a lethal weapon. He steals the ball like a ninja on the court, and the size gifts him with an enormous power to cruise past the best of the defenders. His physical conditioning and understanding of the game are unmatchable. AD also likes to switch his screening angles to keep the defenders guessing as to what is going to be his next move.
But he also is not a superhuman and makes errors with his passing judgment. Still, he can perform consistently in the post-season and can definitely scare his opponents with that track record. His 43 point-game against the Blazers was another example. He must continue playing like that in the coming round.
