2. “50-Burger” vs. Minnesota Timberwolves – Dec. 8
In a season in which the Lakers have looked scary good on a consistent basis, this game, in particular, must be frightening for the rest of the league.
The Minnesota Timberwolves saw the best of both Anthony Davis and LeBron James (with 16 points sprinkled in from the great Alex Caruso). They discovered early on in the game that Karl-Anthony Towns was no match for Anthony Davis, and to their credit, they kept their foot on the pedal.
Davis looked like a man on a mission from the tip. He was able to score on Towns from really anywhere he wanted. Davis was not only productive with the mid-range jumper, but he was waltzing into the paint seemingly at will.
Anthony Davis finished the night with a season-high 50 points on 69 percent shooting, seven rebounds, six assists, four steals and a block. To make matters worse for Minnesota, he was able to get to the free-throw line ten times, making them all.
Most teams on a given night will have a common goal: contain one of either Davis or James. On this night, the Wolves couldn’t contain either one of them. LeBron feasted in his own right for 32 points, 13 assists, and four boards.
Davis’ effort on the defensive end was almost as impressive. He kept Towns in check and made things frustrating for him. He kept the best player on the Timberwolves to under 20 points on a night where his net rating was -17. This was yet another game that solidified Davis as a potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate.