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Philippines, 20 Apr 2024 |
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NBA -- Davis' leadership guiding Pelicans By Bernard Pagusara PhilBoxing.com Sat, 29 Mar 2014  Davis. NEW ORLEANS -- Under the leadership of Anthony Davis, the Pelicans have won four in a row against play-off contenders. Three of the last four games were at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The home streak of three, started Saturday night against the defending champion Miami Heat. The 105-95 loss was so devastating to LeBron James that he stormed out of the building. Fans chanted ?MVP, MVP? for Davis, who finished with 30 pts., and 11 rebounds. It was the first time a chant for MVP was heard in New Orleans, since Chris Paul left for L.A. in 2011. His effectiveness as a big man who can stretch the floor gave Miami wide ranging problems. He was able to keep the Heat defense honest. Because of his perimeter game, Chris Bosh and Andersen hesitated to help on drives to the basket, allowing Austin Rivers, Brian Roberts and Tyreke Evans to create serious damage. On Monday, Davis had another tremendous night against the Nets. His 24 points and 14 rebounds are eclipsed only by his defensive plays. He was matched up against Paul Pierce numerous times in the game. And several times, he came up with much needed stops. His defensive highlight though came at the 1:53 mark in overtime. The Nets were trying to make a run, when Davis stopped a Mason Plumlee dunk. Capping two hands over the ball, Davis snatched the leather in mid-air. But Plumlee held on, prompting referees to call a jump ball. The Pelican won the toss, and took control of the game, sealing a 109-104 victory. ?That block happened because Tyreke Evans told me to go get that block.? He told reporters, bringing laughter in the locker room. Davis deflected all credit, and instead praised Tyreke Evans, who scored a game high 33 points. His streak of at least 28 points and 10 rebounds ended last Monday. But to Davis, the win was more important. ?Rebounding the ball. Tyreke (Evans), B-Rob, (Brian Roberts), and Austin (Rivers) were going to the basket, a lot. So I?m just down there, and make sure they have a good look at the basket.? Davis said about his biggest contribution to the game, belittling his offense. On Wednesday night, the Pelicans faced the Clippers. Blake Griffin held Davis to a meager 26 % on 5 of 19 shooting from the field. But Davis beat the Clippers in a different way. Along with his six blocks, Davis made some crucial plays. He grabbed a rebound off Griffin?s missed free throw that was supposed to tie the game with 10.7 seconds left. Davis then made 1 out of a pair of free throws to ensure a two-point advantage for his Pelicans. Displaying his leadership one more time, Davis proved he can win, in spite of his poor shooting. He is that Bill Russell type of player, who thinks defense, and hustle plays are more important in winning ball games. He has that a blue-collar mentality that matches well with his selfless approach to the game. And only time will tell where he?ll end up in the annals of basketball. (BP) Click here to view a list of other articles written by Bernard Pagusara.  |
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