Anthony Davis is putting in work for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Coming off a 44-point outing against the Milwaukee Bucks, Davis went to another level Sunday night against the Washington Wizards, pouring in a season-high 55 points, falling just shy of his career-best mark (59 points in 2016).
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He shot a sizzling 22-of-30 (76.3 percent) from the field, adding 17 rebounds, and three blocks in a 130-119 victory for the Lakers.
With tonight's performance, he became the first player since Patrick Ewing to record 50+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 3+ blocks on 70% shooting in a regular season game, per NBA.com Stats.
Per ESPN Stats & Info, Davis' 40 made field goals over his last two games is tied for the most by any player over a two-game span in the last 20 seasons, joining Kobe Bryant. He also joined another Laker legend in the record books, becoming the first Laker since Shaquille O'Neal to have at least 40 points and 10 rebounds in consecutive games (2000), according to NBA.com Stats.
"Whenever he's healthy feeling great about his body, you see those types of performances, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham said postgame.
"It's been fun to watch, fun to be a part of, great for our ball club, and the guys really being inspired by his performances and really wanting to see him thrive and excel at that level.
"...For him to come out like he's come out this season and sustain it and just get better and better and better, deeper in rhythm, it's been a joy to watch. He deserves it man."
Even Magic Johnson has him tipped to win Most Valuable Player of the Year, following his insane offensive stretch of play.
With his 55 point and 17 rebound performance tonight, Anthony Davis leads the NBA MVP race! 🔥
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 5, 2022
AD is absolutely killing! That’s what I’m talking about!! Keep it rolling @lakers!
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) December 5, 2022
“Just being healthy, going out with a mindset of just dominating,” Davis said of his turnaround in play.
“I started off slow, took a couple games to get in-game shape, in-game rhythm. I've just been feeling really good and confident on all my shots, playing with a great pace. Guys have been doing a great job of finding me.”
🔥 55 PTS (22/30 FGM)
— NBA (@NBA) December 5, 2022
🔥 17 REB
🔥 3 BLK@AntDavis23 went double-nickel to follow up his 44-point performance in his last game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IjYfWN6DEa
More importantly, the Lakers have gone 8-2 across their last 10 games, with Davis enjoying one of the best stretches of his career, averaging 35.3 points, 15.6 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks on 65 percent shooting, 46 percent from the 3-point line, and 88 percent at the free throw line.
Thanks to their 2-10 start to the season, the Lakers are still under .500 on the season (10-12), but if Davis continues to ball like prime Shaquille O'Neal, their chances of making some noise in the Western Conference all of a sudden look a lot more likely.
