"Tell AD to walk home"- Lakers fans troll Anthony Davis after he was destroyed by Xavier Tillman who had a career night

The oft-used Xavier Tillman played the best game of his career in Game 2 of the first-round series between the LA Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies. Without superstar Ja Morant, Tillman provided a huge lift with 22 points, 13 rebounds and three assists.

Anthony Davis, on the other hand, couldn’t come up with the same type of grit and effort. Davis finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and three assists.

Xavier Tillman's previous playoff career-highs were 13 points and seven rebounds, which he did against the Minnesota Timberwolves last year in 22 minutes. Against the Lakers tonight, he blew those numbers out of the water.

Tillman also personified the Memphis Grizzlies' gritty performance without Ja Morant. The backup big man grabbed five of his team's 11 offensive rebounds, which were crucial in their win.

In Game 1, the LA Lakers outrebounded the Grizzlies 45-34, including 10-6 on the offensive glass. Tillman's presence helped Memphis edge LA in rebounding in Game 2 49-47 and tied them for offensive rebounds at 11 apiece.

Xavier Tillman's game was devoid of highlights, but the Grizzlies would take it any day of the week. He was efficient and made a huge impact on both ends of the floor.

Newly-named Defensive Player of the Year winner Jaren Jackson Jr. was also instrumental in limiting Anthony Davis. Together, they stifled LA's superstar big man to one of his worst playoff performances.

The Memphis Grizzlies will need Xavier Tillman to sustain his performance

The Memphis Grizzlies will not have Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke throughout the playoffs. Without those two, Memphis' frontline is quite thin. Xavier Tillman showed that he can be an impactful player when given the chance.

Adams gives the Grizzlies a strong rebounding presence and screen setter. At the very least, Tillman could replicate what the "Big Kiwi" consistently does for Memphis.

Davis will not have many nights where he will struggle with his shooting. Even if Xavier Tillman's points do not come, he will be needed to make AD's life difficult.

The series will now shift to Los Angeles for the next two games. LA's boisterous crowd will surely egg them on, putting the onus on the Grizzlies not to wilt under pressure.

Tillman has played in only 14 playoff games in his career. It remains to be seen if he can be as effective on the road when the bright lights in Hollywood are on.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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