The Los Angeles Lakers secured a close victory against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night, but it was Anthony Davis' performance at the free-throw line and the subsequent reactions from teammates and coaches rather than the final scoreline drawing attention.
With just 12 seconds remaining and the Lakers clinging to a 101-99 lead, Davis faced the pressure of two free throws. He missed both attempts, continuing his struggles seen earlier in the season when he similarly faltered against the Orlando Magic. Fortunately for the Lakers, Davis' teammate Rui Hachimura managed to grab the offensive rebound from his second miss, and Austin Reaves was fouled shortly after, converting both free throws to secure the win, 103-99.
Davis' recent free-throw woes raised questions about his reliability during crunch time. After the game, head coach JJ Redick voiced his belief in the talented big man, underscoring the importance of maintaining faith amid missed opportunities. Redick stated, "I think as a player, these situations can weigh on you. I trust him. I believe in him. He’ll be in those situations again, and I’m confident he’s gonna make the shot." Redick’s unwavering support reflects the confidence the coaching staff has placed on Davis to continue leading the team, especially as they navigate late-game scenarios.
Despite the missed shots, Davis’ contributions to the game extended beyond scoring. He finished with 10 points, alongside 15 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, showcasing his defensive prowess which has been instrumental throughout the season. His overall statistics for the season remain impressive, averaging 26.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game, demonstrating his value on the court, even on nights when his scoring isn’t prolific.
"I definitely appreciate Rui with the tip-out," Davis remarked, acknowledging Hachimura’s impact following the missed free throws. He seemed unperturbed by the situation, expressing belief in his continued role as the team’s primary offensive option as orchestrated by Redick. This mindset is significant for Davis, considering the pressure often associated with player performance under scrutiny. For him, having the backing of both teammates and coaches could serve as motivation to improve his free-throw shooting under pressure.
Notably, LeBron James also expressed confidence, stating during his own postgame remarks, "I think as a player, those things can wear on you. I trust him, I believe in him. To be in these situations again, I’m confident he’s going to make the shot." James’ endorsement of Davis is particularly valuable as it reassures Davis of the support he has from his peers, reinforcing team unity as they confront similar situations together as the season progresses.
The Lakers' ability to rally and secure the win, even under challenging circumstances, demonstrates the growth of the team's resilience. Since suffering a heavy loss to the Miami Heat three weeks ago, the Lakers have made significant strides, now showcasing one of the league’s top-ranked defenses. Davis remarked about their momentum saying, "When we’re actually playing, it feels great, it looks great. We can feel the energy, and we’re starting to do things we didn’t do during the stretch we were bad." His feedback indicates both his acknowledgment of the team’s evolution and the adjustments made to improve their play.
This turnaround has not only solidified their standing but also has initiated discussions about potential championship aspirations. Davis emphasized the necessity of maintaining defensive pressure, stating, "The old term defense wins championships. We just have to keep defending." This approach reflects the mentality adopted by the Lakers as they aim to solidify their playoff position, with upcoming games including one against the Detroit Pistons this Monday and the eagerly awaited Christmas matchup against the Golden State Warriors.
The Los Angeles Lakers, currently positioned at 16-12, continue to showcase growth and resilience, traits evident through their recent performances. Despite individual ups and downs, the collective effort and reassurance from teammates like James and coaches like Redick lay the foundation for successful team dynamics. Davis’ performance against the Kings may have featured hiccups, but the overall picture presented is one of hope and determination as the season advances.
