The NBA hasn’t seen this type of big man dominance in the playoffs from a Los Angeles Lakers star since the great Shaquille ‘Shaq’ O’Neal.
That’s how dynamic Lakers centre Anthony Davis has been this postseason for the men in purple and gold.
Davis put on a show in Los Angeles’ Game 1 victory over the Warriors, dropping an imposing 30 points, 23 rebounds, five assists and four blocks.
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This impressive stat line helped him become the first Laker to have at least 30 points and 20 boards in the playoffs since O’Neal in 2004.
Davis also joined Lakers royalty Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor in the record books.
Golden State simply had no answers for the Lakers big man in the paint while he proved to be the ultimate rim protector to limit the Warriors offensively.
It’s fitting that Davis sits in the annals of hoops history alongside O’Neal given ‘Shaq’ challenged him to aim up earlier this season.
On February 28, ‘Shaq’ said: “I don’t want to say this disrespectfully, but he (Davis) has fell off.”
Since O’Neal’s spray, Davis has averaged 25.2 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks.
This form has been on display in spades for Los Angeles this postseason.
Lakers superstar LeBron James has no doubts that Davis will be immortalised when he eventually hangs up his sneakers.
“The No. 3 will be up in the rafters … he continues to show why he’s one of the most dynamic players in the league,” James said after the Game 1 win.
Watch for the Warriors to respond in Game 2 with a stronger shooting performance, especially from Curry.
The gun guard shot 10 of 24 from the field (41.7 per cent) and six of 13 from three (46.2 per cent).
This is a drop for Curry based on his high standards – and he’ll hit back in Game 2 to help the Warriors avoid a 2-0 series hole.
Sports reporter
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