The Los Angeles Lakers really wanted a win on Sunday night.
They were facing off against the Brooklyn Nets, a team they felt they could beat.
Additionally, they needed a victory to remind fans that they can win games, despite their 2-10 record.
Anthony Davis took all of this to heart and he came crashing into the game.
Anthony Davis was on one tonight in the Lakers win over the Nets 🔥
37 points
18 rebounds (10 offensive)15-of-25 FG
7-of-7 FT34 minutes pic.twitter.com/4HtUQHcsCl
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) November 14, 2022
When the final buzzer sounded, Davis looked like a classic version of himself.
He scored 37 points and 18 rebounds (including 10 offensive boards).
He was 15-of-25 from the field and made all 7 of his free throws.
Davis was playing with power, speed, and authority.
This was the version of the player who wowed the world several seasons ago when the Lakers stormed to their latest Finals victory.
Now the more important question: will this version of Davis stick around?
Demanding A Lot From Davis
More than a few people have noted that Davis hasn’t played with the same sort of urgency he once had.
Maybe it’s the fact that he’s playing the center more (a position he doesn’t like) or perhaps it’s because of his age and the effects of multiple injuries but Davis just hasn’t played as he did only a few seasons ago.
But he was doing exactly that on Sunday night – and that led to a vital Lakers win.
Can he keep it up?
If so, the Lakers might actually have a shot.
But that will require careful monitoring of minutes by head coach Darvin Ham, big assists from other guys on the team, and great conditioning and training from Davis and his staff.
It’s all worth it – Davis learned that as the crowd at Crypto.com Arena jumped to their feet and cheered him on following the win over the Nets.
NEXT: Russell Westbrook Took On An Old Friend