There are times when data doesn’t tell everything in the NBA. It rarely happens that statistics can show one reality while the human eye shows the complete opposite. This phenomenon, which defies all logic, affects stars and role players alike, sometimes in a positive way and sometimes not so much. Anthony Davis It is currently going through a slump in its performance which is quite unsuited to the interests of Lakers. Without lebron james, on indefinite leave due to left ankle pain and with many new faces after transfers, AD doesn’t drive like you’d expect him to.
The sudden lack of tension and activity on the inside is more than impressive. An attitude that has been maintained repeatedly in the last four matches: v Thunder, Bucks, Warriors and finally against the Blazers.
If one reviews Anthony Davis’ traditional numbers at that time, one can verify that, in fact, his work on the field was not bad at all: 17 points, 15 rebounds. However, when one takes a closer look at how he fared in scoring, things get complicated, connecting very little 41.1% of his field goals, including a devastating 5-for-19 win over Golden State.
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The problem with AD in this short period of time is its intensity, participation and contribution beyond the traditional numbers recording. Idlely, the star will score and rebound, but at this point he needs to do a lot more than that. Especially without LeBron James available and no room for error for the team on their way to the Play-In.
He Body Language reveals a player who has the ability and tools to change the fate of any match the moment he steps onto the pitch. That’s why it’s so shocking to see an Anthony Davis so clouded and almost non-committal. A small fact to illustrate this situation. On the season overall, AD averaged 68 offensive touches per game, which translated to 0.38 points per reception. In this recent period, this record has fallen to 63 touches with 0.25 goal production. He receives less of the ball and is therefore less dangerous.
Something opposing teams are starting to notice. In the last loss to a direct rival like the Portland Trail Blazers, they put together a zone defense that carried them to victory. Throughout his time active, Davis has been almost a non-factor, not offering himself as an alternative in the midpost or punishing offensive rebounding.
With almost 25 games left in the season, the Lakers need Anthony Davis to wake up from his slumber as soon as possible and revert to MVP version with which he surprised at the beginning of the march.
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
