NBA legend Charles Barkley has lauded Anthony Davis’ incredible performance, which helped lead the LA Lakers to a thrilling victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs. Davis was unstoppable, racking up 30 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks. He became the first Laker to record such a feat since Shaquille O’Neal in 2001.
“If he’s motivated, he’s gonna get this every game.”
Chuck on AD's Game 1 performance vs. Warriors pic.twitter.com/3YQ3txY1A4
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 3, 2023
Barkley was clearly impressed by Davis’ display, stating, “If he’s motivated, he’s going to get this every game.” He believes that if Davis continues to play at this level, the Lakers have a genuine chance of lifting the championship trophy at the end of the season.
Even on a night when LeBron James struggled to find his shooting touch, Davis stepped up to the plate and delivered. James finished with 22 points, but it was Davis who dominated the game. The pair of teammates made history, becoming the first to record 20-10-5 and three blocks in the same postseason game.
WHAT. A. GAME. 🍿
Davis: 30 PTS | 23 REB | 4 BLK
James: 22 PTS | 11 REB | 5 ASTLAKERS TAKE A 1-0 SERIES LEAD! pic.twitter.com/gHGQBg5QRG
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 3, 2023
Davis’ performance was truly exceptional, with his all-around game coming to the fore. He even joined Tim Duncan as the only player to record at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks in a single playoff game.
The Lakers will be hoping that Davis can maintain his form as they look to progress further in the playoffs. If he can continue to deliver performances like this one, they will be a force to be reckoned with. Barkley’s comments reflect the sentiment of many NBA fans, who are eagerly anticipating what Davis has in store for the rest of the playoffs.
Anthony Davis’ Inconsistency in Playoffs Raises Concerns, But Stellar Game 1 Performance Gives Hope to Lakers
Anthony Davis has been known to be inconsistent in the playoffs, with his performance wavering from game to game. In Game 2 against the Memphis Grizzlies, he was nowhere to be found when the Lakers needed him the most.
Even the oft-used backup big man Xavier Tillman outplayed him. Similarly, in Game 4, although the Lakers managed to take a 3-1 lead, it was LeBron James who carried the team to the victory while Davis had a so-so performance.
However, in Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors, Davis proved his worth as a top-five player in the NBA. He finished the game with 30 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks, and was instrumental in the Lakers’ victory. Davis’ impact was not just limited to the offensive end and rebounding; he also smothered the Warriors’ interior and helped the Lakers outscore them 54-28 inside the paint.
While Davis’ inconsistency raises concerns, his performance in Game 1 gives hope to the Lakers. If he can maintain this blistering form, the Lakers have a big chance of winning games. Davis’ stellar performance against the Warriors was a reminder of his immense talent and why the Lakers acquired him in the first place.
As the series progresses, the Lakers will be counting on him to deliver similar performances to lead them to victory.
