Anthony Davis: Best Season Stats & Highlights

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Let's dive deep into the best season stats and highlights of Anthony Davis's incredible career. We'll explore the seasons where AD truly dominated the court, showcasing his unique blend of scoring prowess, defensive tenacity, and overall impact on the game. From his early years with the New Orleans Pelicans to his championship run with the Los Angeles Lakers, we'll break down the numbers and moments that define his legacy.

Early Years: New Orleans Pelicans (2012-2019)

During his time with the New Orleans Pelicans, Anthony Davis consistently showcased exceptional stats, establishing himself as one of the league's premier talents. In his rookie season (2012-2013), while still raw and developing, AD averaged a solid 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. These numbers hinted at the potential that lay within. By his second season (2013-2014), Davis made a significant leap, boosting his averages to 20.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.8 blocks per game. This marked his arrival as a dominant force on both ends of the court.

However, it was the 2014-2015 season that many consider his true breakout year. Davis posted staggering averages of 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and an incredible 2.9 blocks per game. His Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 30.8 was the highest in the league, surpassing even LeBron James. This season solidified Davis's status as a bona fide superstar, capable of carrying a team on his broad shoulders. Although the Pelicans struggled to achieve consistent team success, Davis's individual brilliance shone brightly. He was a nightly highlight reel, showcasing his ability to score inside and out, protect the rim, and run the floor with surprising agility for a player of his size. This period demonstrated his incredible versatility and impact, making him a perennial All-Star and a constant threat to opposing teams. He consistently put up monster stat lines, hinting at the even greater heights he could achieve with a more supportive roster.

Peak Performance: 2017-2018 Season

Many analysts point to the 2017-2018 season as arguably Anthony Davis's statistical peak. Playing alongside Jrue Holiday, Davis led the Pelicans to a 48-34 record and a first-round sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers in the playoffs. His regular-season stats were nothing short of phenomenal, averaging 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.5 steals, and a staggering 2.6 blocks per game. His offensive game reached new heights, showcasing improved efficiency and a more refined post game. Defensively, he remained a dominant force, deterring opponents from attacking the basket and racking up blocks and steals at an impressive rate.

In the playoffs, Davis elevated his game even further, averaging 30.1 points, 13.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game. His performance against the Blazers was particularly memorable, as he consistently outplayed Jusuf Nurkić and led the Pelicans to a decisive victory. This season showcased Davis's ability to not only put up impressive numbers but also translate his individual success into team wins. While the Pelicans ultimately fell short against the Golden State Warriors in the second round, Davis's performance cemented his place among the league's elite. His blend of scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess made him a nightmare matchup for any opponent, and his leadership on and off the court was instrumental in the Pelicans' success. This season truly highlighted his potential to be the best player in the league, and it left fans eagerly anticipating what he would accomplish in the years to come.

Championship Run: Los Angeles Lakers (2019-Present)

The move to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019 marked a new chapter in Anthony Davis's career. Teaming up with LeBron James, Davis finally had the opportunity to compete for a championship on a team built for sustained success. While his individual stats may not have always reached the heights of his peak seasons in New Orleans, his impact on the Lakers was undeniable.

In the 2019-2020 season, Davis averaged 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game. More importantly, he played a crucial role in leading the Lakers to their 17th NBA championship. His defensive versatility allowed the Lakers to switch seamlessly on defense, and his ability to score in a variety of ways made him a perfect complement to LeBron James. In the playoffs, Davis was dominant, averaging 27.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. His performance in the Finals against the Miami Heat was particularly impressive, as he consistently outplayed Bam Adebayo and led the Lakers to victory. While individual accolades are always appreciated, Davis made it clear that his primary goal was to win a championship, and he achieved that goal in his first season with the Lakers. His willingness to sacrifice individual stats for the betterment of the team demonstrated his maturity and commitment to winning. This championship run solidified his legacy as one of the game's great players, and it proved that he could thrive in a high-pressure environment alongside another superstar.

Key Statistical Categories

To truly appreciate Anthony Davis's best season stats, let's break down some of his key statistical categories and highlight his most impressive achievements:

  • Points Per Game (PPG): Davis's highest scoring average came in the 2017-2018 season with 28.1 PPG. This showcases his offensive dominance and ability to score from anywhere on the court.
  • Rebounds Per Game (RPG): His best rebounding season was also in 2017-2018, averaging 11.1 RPG. This highlights his strength, positioning, and relentless pursuit of the ball.
  • Blocks Per Game (BPG): Davis led the league in blocks per game three times in his career (2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2017-2018), with a career-high of 2.9 BPG in 2014-2015. This demonstrates his exceptional rim protection and defensive impact.
  • Player Efficiency Rating (PER): Davis's PER of 30.8 in the 2014-2015 season was the highest in the league, surpassing even LeBron James. This statistic encapsulates his overall impact on the game and his efficiency on both ends of the court.
  • Win Shares: Win Shares is an estimate of the number of wins contributed by a player. One of Davis's best seasons in terms of Win Shares was 2017-2018, demonstrating his significant impact on the Pelicans' success.

Defining Moments

Beyond the raw numbers, Anthony Davis's best seasons are also defined by specific moments that showcased his greatness. Here are a few notable examples:

  • 69-Point Performance vs. Detroit Pistons (February 21, 2016): In a game against the Detroit Pistons, Davis exploded for 59 points, 20 rebounds, and 4 blocks. This performance showcased his incredible scoring ability and dominance on the boards. While it wasn't his highest-scoring game, the combination of points, rebounds, and blocks was a testament to his all-around talent.

  • Playoff Sweep of Portland Trail Blazers (2018): Davis led the Pelicans to a stunning first-round sweep of the heavily favored Portland Trail Blazers. His dominance in that series, both offensively and defensively, was a defining moment in his career.

  • Championship-Clinching Block vs. Denver Nuggets (2020): In Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets, Davis blocked Jamal Murray's potential game-tying shot in the final seconds, securing the Lakers' victory and sending them to the NBA Finals. This clutch play highlighted his defensive prowess and ability to perform under pressure.

Impact and Legacy

Anthony Davis's impact on the game of basketball is undeniable. His unique blend of size, athleticism, and skill has made him one of the most versatile and dominant players in the league. He has consistently put up impressive stats, earning numerous accolades, including multiple All-Star selections, All-NBA selections, and All-Defensive selections. More importantly, he has demonstrated a commitment to winning, culminating in his championship run with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Looking ahead, Davis has the potential to continue adding to his legacy and solidifying his place among the game's all-time greats. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop his game, he could lead the Lakers to multiple championships and further cement his status as one of the most dominant players of his era. His impact extends beyond the court, as he serves as a role model for young players and inspires fans with his dedication and work ethic. Whether he's dominating on offense, locking down opponents on defense, or leading his team to victory, Anthony Davis continues to leave his mark on the game of basketball.