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Lakers: Anthony Davis’ record-breaking finals performances

By Matthew Evans

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Five of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 9, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Five of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 9, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

All eyes were on how Davis would perform under the bright lights on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Not many players are capable of executing under such pressure. But following the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 2020 NBA Finals victory over the Miami Heat, Anthony Davis proved he is undoubtedly one of the best players in the league.

The Lakers breezed past the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets in the first 2 rounds of the postseason. Davis then dropped averages of 31.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals to propel the purple and gold beyond the Denver Nuggets and onto the NBA Finals.

Davis was playing on the big stage for the first time in his career and he certainly didn’t show any nerves. Scoring 34 points in his finals debut, followed by a 32-point outing in Game 2. As the Lakers raced out to a 2-0 series lead.

As the 27-year-old superstar was taking advantage of a shorthanded Heat side that was without Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic, he was breaking a few records in the process.

According to the NBA, Davis was the 5th player in NBA history to score 30+ points in their first two career finals games. Joining Kevin Durant (2012), Michael Jordan (1991), Rick Barry (1967), and Hal Greer (1967).

In addition, with LeBron James surpassing the 30-point mark in Game 2 also, both became the first pair of Laker teammates to score 30+ points each in the finals since 2002 (ESPN Stats Info). When Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal erupted for 36 and 35 points, respectively, against the New Jersey Nets (Game 3).

If that wasn’t enough, alongside Davis’ 32 points in Game 2, he grabbed 14 rebounds and shot 75% from the field. This made him the 5th player in finals history to record 30 points and 10 rebounds, on 75% shooting (ESPN Stats Info). Joining Shaquille O’Neal (2004, x2), Kevin McHale (1985), Larry Bird (1984), and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1971).

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