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Anthony Davis’ stats vs Grizzlies are very encouraging for Lakers fans

Jason Reed|
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 28: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum on February 28, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 28: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum on February 28, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers got past the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night to advance to the NBA Playoffs. Now, the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies await the Lakers for a first-round matchup that is destined to be full of fireworks.

Los Angeles is one of the most over-qualified seven seeds in recent NBA history and there is no question that the Grizzlies would have rather played Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs. That is almost what happened as well, as a brain fart foul by Anthony Davis sent the game into overtime instead of it being a regulation win for LA.

While that was a bad moment for Davis, he still had a solid game for the purple and gold. Davis scored 24 points to go with 15 rebounds and four assists. That is a great game for any NBA player and against the Grizzlies, Davis might end up being even better.

Lakers’ Anthony Davis dominated the Memphis Grizzlies this season.

Granted, it is a relatively small sample size at just two games but the fact that Davis is nearly averaging 30 and 20 in his games against Memphis this season should be extremely concerning for Grizzlies fans.

It is clear that this matchup is one that Davis thrives in and a big reason why is the lack of Steven Adams. Adams plays such a key role down low for the Grizzlies and without him, Jaren Jackson Jr’s defense takes a slight hit.

Triple J has a tendency to pick up fouls and as a result, his playing time is typically pretty low all things considered. He has never averaged 30 minutes per game in his career. Without Adams, Jackson does not have that safety net near the rim and is not going to be able to fully commit to his tenacious style of defending because of the fear of foul trouble.

If Jackson does get in foul trouble then it is going to be a massive issue for the Grizzlies as they simply do not have anyone else that can legitimately match up against Davis and give the team any chance of locking him down.

We have seen it all season: the Los Angeles Lakers are at their best when Anthony Davis is playing at a high level. History tends to repeat itself, so we very well could see Davis take over this entire series to help the Lakers advance to round two.

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