Los Angeles Lakers power forward Anthony Davis dominated the season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday night. The nine-time All-Star posted a team-best 36 points and 16 rebounds, while also tallying four assists and three blocks in a 110-103 win.
In 13 career season openers — six with the Lakers — Davis put on his best opening night performance with the Purple and Gold, and his best since the 2016-17 opener with the New Orleans Pelicans where he scored 50 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.
Additionally, Davis’ 36 points were the most by a Laker in a season opener since Kobe Bryant scored 45 points against the Houston Rockets in 2007.
Anthony Davis Makes Los Angeles Lakers History
“Defensive Player of the Year type stuff,” Davis told Lakers reporter Mike Trudell after the win.
With Davis locking down the middle, the Lakers held the Timberwolves to just 41.2 percent from the field, 31.7 percent from three, and forced 15 turnovers. Last season, the Wolves were the league’s third-best three-point shooting team and were a top-10 team in field-goal percentage.
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“[Davis] was phenomenal tonight. He attacked the game the right way. He was patient. … He plays the game the right way.”
Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick
The 31-year-old has been one of the league’s best frontcourt players since arriving in 2012 and has been a constant force both offensively and defensively. However, despite being named to five All-Defensive and All-NBA teams while also being a three-time NBA block champion, Davis has yet to bring home a Defensive Player of the Year award — finishing as high as second and being nominated six times in his career.
Davis’ masterful opener could very well foreshadow an MVP-caliber season and most definitely have him in the race for DPOY. Nonetheless, Davis will be the Lakers’ focal point going forward, and keeping the big man healthy will be at the top of its priorities.
Davis and the Lakers will return to action on Friday where they will host the Phoenix Suns for the second of 82 games.