USA Today via Reuters
Jun 3, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) is defended by Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) in the first quarter during game six in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 3, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) is defended by Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) in the first quarter during game six in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Phoenix Suns entered the Staples Center for the first time after that Game 6 win over the Lakers. But this time around, they didn’t just outscore the Lakers Nation in a crazy Q2 show, they even witnessed a nasty altercation between Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard.
In what appeared to be close to that Kevin Durant vs Draymond Green scene from 2018, both the Lakers teammates lost their cool. It became the highlight before halftime and saw a flurry of reactions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
NBA fans went bonkers over AD vs Superman fight
For some reason, Anthony Davis went straight to Dwight Howard, while he was on the bench, and put his arms on the latter. AD was so furious in his body language that Rajon Rondo, Malik Monk, LeBron James and the others were very quick at coming to the rescue.
As all of it unfolded, NBA reporter Skip Bayless made his assessment that the fight broke because AD disliked Dwight fouling (2PFs) too much. Take a look at his guesswork –
Best guess is Anthony Davis said something to Dwight about playing out of control, fouling too much. And Dwight said something like, "At least I'm playing hard." Which AD was not. Then the normally mild-mannered AD looked like he wanted to fight.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) October 23, 2021
This happened with three minutes remaining in Q2 and the Lakers trailing by 8 points. It easily became the main talking point for the Suns/Lakers fans all alike. Here are a few interesting tweets on the brawl –
Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard fighting during the timeout? What in the KD and Draymond is this?
— Shaun Christopher (@RevoltiveShaun) October 23, 2021
WHAT??? ANTHONY DAVIS APPEARED TO PUT HIS HANDS ON DWIGHT ON THE BENCH AND THEY NEARLY GOT INTO IT AND HAD TO BE SEPARATED??? DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING. THOUGHT THOSE TWO WERE COOL. CRAZY.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) October 23, 2021
Wtf happened with Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard?! pic.twitter.com/Jp22jQhj3Y
— Holly Golightly (@MsAsh_Renee) October 23, 2021
that anthony davis and dwight howard altercation about to give the talk shows content for the next week
— Jamal Cristopher (@JamCristopher) October 23, 2021
Friction already on the @Lakers? @AntDavis23 and @DwightHoward going at it on the bench. 👀 pic.twitter.com/w6rHc3QmP4
— Alan Springer (@AlanSpringer) October 23, 2021
#NBA75 has caused big issues between Dwight Howard and Anthony Davis. Thank you for screwing up the Lakers chemistry. Also, Dwight career better than AD’s.
— 8-24 (@ballislifeAP3) October 23, 2021
Lakers fans been talking shit and riding our Jack for weeks, now look at Dwight and Anthony Davis pic.twitter.com/j97nlxNpVS
— RALFY (@212Ralfy) October 23, 2021
Anthony Davis when Mr Non Top 75 is yelling at him pic.twitter.com/Q4R7QF1U3N
— NBA Discussion (@NBAisBest4) October 23, 2021
i am LIVING for the anthony davis and dwight howard feud
— Natasha Dye (@natashadye) October 23, 2021
lebron to anthony davis and dwight during halftime pic.twitter.com/CrKgl7lsju
— gracie (@gvilliard) October 23, 2021
This is the last thing the Lakers wanted with their players injured, stars not performing as they should, and the heap of recent losses.
Read more: “Kuzma the 2nd”: Lakers Fans Hijack Russell Westbrook’s Latest Post With Savage Insults
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
How did the Lakers perform in their revenge game?
Well, it was Phoenix Suns written all over the game. With Anthony Davis going 1/6 from the field until the beginning of Q3, Dwight Howard going scoreless in his nine minutes didn’t help either. Plus, the fight between the two further added to the tension and the Lakers started their third quarter with AD missing a driving layup.
On the other hand, the Suns had Chris Pul with his double-double and Mikal Bridges with his efficient shooting further dragged the hosts down.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
With under six minutes remaining in Q3, the Suns led 78-55. Whom were you cheering for tonight? Help us know in the comments and also add your reaction to the fight.
Watch this story: The Big Threes to Watch Out for This NBA Season
