Anthony Davis Produces Yet Another Massive Stat Line
New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis recorded 32 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and three steals over 31 minutes in Monday's 99-74 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, making him the second player since 1973-74 to reach 30 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks and three steals while logging 31 or fewer minutes in a game, per NBA.com.
Davis joins Hakeem Olajuwon, who had exactly 30 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks and three steals over 29 minutes in a January 1987 game for the Houston Rockets against the Phoenix Suns, per Basketball-Reference.com's play index.
Davis' own dominant performance was accomplished in three quarters, as his heroics helped the Pelicans build an 85-62 lead entering the final frame. With Philadelphia unable to pull closer than 17 points at any point in the quarter, Davis watched from the bench as his team's second unit finished out the game.
The 21-year-old forward emerged as a star last season and has now taken the next step to become nearly unstoppable. Per ESPN Stats & Info, Monday marked his NBA-leading 10th game of the season with 30 points and 10 rebounds. He's also fallen just shy of the mark on multiple occasions.
Davis' 12 30-point games tie him with Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James for second most in the NBA, behind only Houston Rockets guard James Harden, per ESPN Stats & Info.
When it comes to per-game numbers, Davis ranks first in blocks (2.9), third in points (24.5), eighth in minutes (36.0), ninth in rebounds (10.4) and 13th in steals (1.66).
Though his Pelicans are currently 1.5 games behind the Phoenix Suns for the Western Conference's final playoff spot, Davis is one of the leading MVP candidates along with Harden and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry. Of course, the 30-year-old James can never be ruled out, and his recent charge has led to six straight wins for the Cavaliers.
