In the midst of a largely one-sided game on Tuesday night, Austin Reaves attempted a flashy behind-the-back pass to LeBron James early in the second half. The first half had showcased the Lakers in a Harlem Globetrotter-like performance, with seamless ball movement leading to an offensive rhythm that had propelled them into the top 10 offenses in the league over the past month.
However, this time, the Lakers’ play became a bit too relaxed, resulting in a turnover that triggered a three-on-one fast break for the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter. In most scenarios, this situation would spell trouble, but when the sole Laker back was Anthony Davis, the dynamics shifted.
LeBron James humorously remarked, “We (were) testing him… testing to see if he is the Defensive Player of the Year or not. And he showed it. He showed why.” Davis showcased his defensive prowess by effortlessly blocking Jaden Ivey’s layup at the rim, drawing a foul and setting up a sequence that saw D’Angelo Russell hitting a three-pointer.
In the Lakers’ final home game before the All-Star break, Davis exhibited dominance on both ends of the court, contributing to their 125-111 victory over the struggling Pistons. Assistant coach Darvin Ham praised Davis as the team’s anchor, emphasizing his intelligence, activity, and ability to make crucial plays.
Davis concluded the game with an impressive stat line of 20 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, and six blocked shots, all achieved while resting the entire fourth quarter. Notably, he became only the third player this season to achieve such numbers in a game and the fifth to do so in less than 30 minutes. Tuesday marked his seventh game this year with at least five blocked shots.
Downplaying the Defensive Player of the Year discussions, Davis expressed his focus on winning and maintaining a defensive presence. Despite feeling he might have been overlooked for the award in the past, he remains committed to making an impact on both ends of the court.
The Lakers, coming off a stretch where all five starters scored at least 20 points, continued their strong performance with each starter contributing at least 15 points. The team established a 24-point lead early in the second half and secured their fifth win in the last six games. As they head to Utah for their next game, the Lakers maintain their positive trajectory.
While the team was relatively quiet during the trade deadline, the addition of Spencer Dinwiddie, considered the top player on the buyout market, made a notable debut. Dinwiddie scored six points and provided seven assists in 31 minutes off the bench, despite having to adjust to the team’s offensive and defensive strategies.
LeBron James praised Dinwiddie’s pace, ability to break down defenses, and passing skills. The Lakers recorded 32 assists as a team, reflecting their 12th game with 30 or more assists in their last 18 games. Davis summed up the experience, saying, “It’s fun playing this way.”