PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 14: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after making a shot during the second half of game one of the the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on April 14, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. The Pelicans won 97-95. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.Steve Dykes/Getty Images

Anthony Davis on Game 1 Win vs. Blazers: 'Means a Lot to Get That Monkey Off'

Mike ChiariApr 15, 2018

New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis expressed relief Saturday after picking up the first playoff win of his NBA career.

On the heels of a 97-95 Game 1 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, Davis said, per ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst: "It means a lot to get that monkey off your back and get your first win. Now that's over with, and we want to come in Tuesday and get another one. That's our mindset. But feels good to get that first win."

Davis led all scorers with 35 points to go along with 14 rebounds and four blocks in pushing the sixth-seeded Pels to a 1-0 series lead over the third-seeded Blazers.

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The 25-year-old Davis is in the postseason for only the second time in his six-year career.

In 2014-15, Davis and the Pelicans were swept out of the first round by the eventual NBA champion Golden State Warriors.

Davis is arguably coming off the best regular season of his career, as he averaged 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, a league-best 2.6 blocks, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals in 75 games.

He became even more important down the stretch as well after DeMarcus Cousins ruptured his left Achilles tendon in late January.

If Davis can lead the Pelicans to a minor upset of the Blazers, then he may have a chance at revenge against the Warriors in the second round provided Golden State can get past the San Antonio Spurs.