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Anthony Davis is considered to be one of the best forwards/centers in the league today, selected first overall in the 2012 draft by the New Orleans Pelicans. Since then, the six-time All-Star has been named in All-NBA First teams and three All-NBA Defensive teams thrice.
Davis is a major threat on both the offensive and defensive ends and has led the league in blocks for three seasons. Davis is no stranger to huge statistical games, known to be able to score high and dominate defensively at the same time.
Recently, Davis left the New Orleans Pelicans to join LeBron James and Demarcus Cousins in Los Angeles, after a long period of trade rumors since he requested a trade from the Pelicans. In light of this, let's look back at some of Anthony Davis' best statistical performances throughout his career:
#1 21st November 2018 vs Philadelphia 76ers
Stat line: 12 Points, 16 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 5 Steals, 5 Blocks
Anthony Davis dropped a monster 5x5 game against the Philadelphia 76ers - recording a total of at least 5 in 5 different statistical categories. Despite the 121-120 loss, this game is definitely one to remember for Davis.
While he didn't have an exceptional scoring night, recording only 12 points on 31% shooting, he was a monster on the defensive end. Despite dragging down 16 boards, 6 of them on the offensive end, the Pelicans fell short to Joel Embiid's 31-point performance.
Davis showed off his versatility in this game, displaying that he was an excellent player in all aspects. Considering his position and size, recording five steals is extremely impressive. Davis had a chance to tie the game with 2.5 seconds left, but missed his third free throw and failed to send the game to overtime.
#2 15th March 2018 vs Denver Nuggets
Stat Line: 36 Points, 14 Rebounds, 7 Assists, 9 Blocks
Against Denver, Anthony Davis fell just short of a quadruple-double, missing one by three assists and a block. Despite Davis' huge performance, the Pelicans lost to the Nuggets in a double-overtime 118-111 loss. Anthony Davis is the only player in NBA history to record at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 8 blocks in a single game.
The former first pick showed all the signs of becoming one of the league's biggest stars, putting up wild numbers such as these throughout the season. There have only been four recorded quadruple doubles in the NBA, with Davis coming dangerously close to a fifth.
The talented big man played extremely well despite his heavy minutes, scoring six of the team's eight points in the first overtime. However, eventually, the Pelicans ran out of steam, giving the game away in the second overtime period.
#3 26th October 2016 vs Denver Nuggets
Stat Line: 50 Points, 15 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 5 Steals, 4 Blocks
In the 2016-17 season opener, Davis went off for 50 points against the Denver Nuggets. In the previous season, despite Davis averaging a double-double, the Pelicans failed to make the playoffs. Davis also played limited games due to injuries, and some doubted his performance in the following season.
However, these doubts were washed away as Davis lit up the Nuggets in this matchup. He started off strong, scoring 10 straight points for the Pelicans in the first quarter. His well rounded efforts kept the Pelicans in the game, despite the lack of support from his teammates.
Davis shot well from the floor as well, making 17 of his attempted 34 shots. The rest of the Pelicans combined for 21 from 58, shooting poorly. Davis came close to a 5x5 game again, missing out by just one block.
#4 26th February 2018 vs Phoenix Suns
Stat Line: 53 Points, 18 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 5 Blocks
Anthony Davis scored a season high 53 points, along with grabbing 18 rebounds for the Pelicans in a 116-125 win against the Phoenix Suns.
This game extended the Pelicans' winning streak to six games, on the second night of back-to-back games. Anthony Davis, already having a monster season, put up his first 50 point game of the season, largely helping his case for the MVP award.
Davis was extremely dominant in the paint, constantly drawing contact and bullying his defenders down low. He shot 26 free throws, making 21 of them. In fact, Davis drew contact so well throughout the game, that both the Suns' 7-footers were fouled out with 5 minutes to play in the fourth quarter.
"Thank you, Anthony, for carrying us", said Jrue Holiday. "Look at his numbers, man. He's something else."
#5 21st February 2016 vs Detroit Pistons
Stat Line: 59 Points, 20 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 1 Block
Anthony Davis scored a season-high 59 points against the Detroit Pistons, beating the previous franchise record of 50 points by Jamal Mashburn. Davis shot extremely well, making 24 of his 34 FG attempts, and shot 9-10 from the free throw line.
Davis' efforts on the offensive end, along with pulling down 20 rebounds, helped the Pelicans pull past the Pistons in a 111-106 win. This was a much needed performance from Davis for the Pelicans, considering their losing record and how close this game was.
With only 45 seconds left in the first half, Davis made a much-needed bucket to tie the game at 55 points each. The game was close throughout, making Davis' stat-line even more admirable. In the back-and-forth fourth quarter, Davis poured in 19 points, making it possible for the Pelicans to get the win.
