Anthony Davis’ defensive dominance could fuel the Lakers’ playoff hopes. Despite missing the final three quarters of an important game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a head injury, Davis was determined to play in a crucial matchup against the Golden State Warriors. However, severe headaches and nausea forced him to leave the arena before tipoff.
The Lakers’ defense struggled without Davis, allowing the Warriors to shoot a league-record 63.4% from three-point range. Despite his absence, Davis’ individual defense remains elite. He has the ability to guard any position effectively and is ranked among the league’s best in help defense, post defense, isolation defense, and rim protection.
His defensive prowess will be crucial as the Lakers face the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs, particularly against two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Davis might have given up on winning Defensive Player of the Year, but he has higher hopes for what the Lakers have left in store this spring.
“I don’t know the standard to win that award,” Davis said, “but my focus is doing the standard for my team defensively and helping us win a championship.”
