Anthony Davis in Game 3-6:
In Game 3, Anthony Davis got into early foul trouble, as the Heat made adjustments to jump back into the series. With the Lakers’ loss, all eyes were on the 6-foot-10 big man, who scored 15 points alongside 3 rebounds and 3 assists. He only attempted 9 shots and was tied with a game-worst plus/minus of -26.
His passiveness on both ends of the ball evaporated in Game 4, however, with Davis dropping 22 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks, and 1 steal. He was an offensive spark down the stretch, draining a late 3-ball. Defensively he had a vital late block on Jimmy Butler, which helped secure the victory for the Lakers.
Despite a strong 28-point, 12 rebound showing in Game 5, the Lakers lost 111-108 to put the championship celebrations on hold and force a Game 6. Davis reaggravated a heel injury that saw him limp to the finish line and all of a sudden, nerves started to grow.
But on hold was exactly what the celebrations were, as the Lakers blew out the Heat, behind 19 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks from Davis, who appeared healthy. He even only had to play 35 minutes, due to the emphatic manner of the Game 6 victory.
Anthony Davis only missed 2 free-throws all series (30-32), both of which came in the final game. But putting his glittering offensive performances to one side, it was his dominant defense that helped win the series for the Lakers.
As the contest progressed Davis was tasked with smothering Miami star Butler, which he did well when face-to-face. As the Heat kept attempting to switch for Butler’s advantage.