Anthony Davis Dominates Across Historic Four-Game Stretch
New Orleans Pelicans big man Anthony Davis dropped 30 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block during Wednesday's 121-118 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. In doing so, he became the first player since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000 to record at least 30 points and 13 rebounds in four straight games, per Sportsnet.
The Brow has demonstrated an ability to perform well regardless of the situation, with starting center DeMarcus Cousins missing two of those four tilts. Over his four-game explosion, Davis averaged 32.5 points (on 57.6 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three), 14.8 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.5 blocks in 36.5 minutes per game.
Overall, Davis hasn't seem fazed by the acquisition of a second ball-dominant big man in DeMarcus Cousins at the trade deadline. He averaged 27.7 points and 11.9 rebounds prior to the trade, almost mirroring the 28.6 points and 12.2 rebounds he's averaged since then.
Though the 32-43 Pelicans have struggled this season, 24-year-old Davis has demonstrated an ability to improve year after year despite one head coaching change and only one winning season during his young career. He's currently posting career highs in points (27.9), rebounds (12.0) and usage percentage (32.5), per Basketball Reference.
The Pelicans are an underwhelming 9-8 since acquiring Cousins at the deadline but can run the experiment for at least one more season since he's under contract through next year. That being said, starting point guard Jrue Holiday's contract ends this season, presenting the Pelicans with the tough decision of whether to re-sign him or use that money to fill out the remainder of their roster with role players.
Regardless of the decisions that the Pelicans make moving forward, Davis seems like a lock to keep improving his game and to continue logging historic performances.
