‘Defense was Non-Existent’ – Anthony Davis Reflects on Lakers’ Win over Spurs

Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers picked up a second consecutive win over the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers were able to compensate for their poor defense with excellent offense as the Lakers beat the Spurs 109-103.

Davis was excellent during the game, putting up 34 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Even LeBron James was great, notching a triple-double.

Anthony Davis spoke after the game to talk about the reason behind Lakers’ victory. Davis believes that the most important thing for the Lakers was getting a shot at the rim. He then praised the connection between himself and LeBron James, especially with regards to their pick-and-roll.

“Getting a shot at the rim. Me and Bron’s pick and roll is very effective. Put the defense in a bind, he’s a great passer. Or he can make a three, give it to me, or shoot the ball, or hit a guy on the weak side. Me and Dennis got it going early as well. Late game, we want to get a pick and roll, and find out how we can exploit the defense, make them get in rotations that they don’t like and make shots.”

Davis said that he enjoyed playing around the perimeter too.

“It is very fun. Coach wanted me to be a little more active around the perimeter. Especially when I’m in the game with Trez and Marc. That’s what I try to do, I just try to go out there and play basketball. And do everything that I can do within the system, make plays for myself and others.”

Anthony Davis on challenging schedule

With regards to the challenge of consecutive games against the same team, Davis believes that familiarity allows for better preparation. He criticized himself and the Lakers’ defense across the first half.

He said, “We got a convincing win the other night. We know that, just like a playoff series, you’re not going to just come in and easily win on the second night. So this team came out very hot, we let them get very comfortable. Our defense was non-existent. A little bit better in the second quarter, but for the most part in the first half it was bad.” 

Davis further added that the Lakers cannot allow a team to get momentum from the three-point line like they did the Spurs.

“I think they shot 38% from three. Obviously, the late-game three, trying to come backdropped the percentage. But the shot well and we can’t allow teams to get comfortable at the three-point line. We did enough to get the win. We’re still learning each other, trying to figure everything out. And it is always good when you can do that while getting the win.”

The Lakers now take on the Memphis Grizzlies in consecutive games. The Grizzlies will be without star player Ja Morant but can still prove a threat if the Lakers continue to play poor defense.