Anthony Davis illustrated Sunday why he was mentioned as a dark horse candidate for MVP before the season started.
The New Orleans Pelicans forward had a career day against the Pistons, scoring 59 points and pulling down 20 rebounds in a 111-106 win over the Detroit Pistons.
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It was just the third time since Bob McAdoo scored 52 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in 1974 that a player has posted a 50/20 line. The other two were Shaquille O'Neal and Chris Webber.
For perspective, Wilt Chamberlain averaged 50.8 points and 25.7 rebounds during the 1961-62 season.
Davis’ point total was a career and franchise-high, as well as the highest in the NBA this season. He made 24 of 34 field-goal attempts and added four assists, scoring 19 points in the fourth quarter.