Anthony Davis Stats 2021: A Deep Dive

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into Anthony Davis's stats from 2021. We're going to break down his performance, analyze key metrics, and see how he stacked up against his own high standards. Whether you're a die-hard Lakers fan, a fantasy basketball enthusiast, or just a numbers geek, this breakdown will give you a comprehensive look at AD's 2021 season. We'll go beyond the basic points and rebounds to really understand his impact on the court. Let's get started!

Regular Season Performance

In the 2020-2021 regular season, Anthony Davis faced a few hurdles, primarily injuries, which impacted his overall availability and consistency. He played in just 36 games out of a possible 72, a significant drop from previous seasons. Despite the limited appearances, his individual stats remained impressive, showcasing his dominance when he was on the court.

Anthony Davis's scoring average in the 2020-2021 season was 21.8 points per game. While this is a strong number, it's lower than his career average and reflects the impact of the injuries he sustained. His field goal percentage was .491, indicating that he was still an efficient scorer, but again, slightly below his usual standards. The injuries seemed to affect his rhythm and explosiveness, which are crucial components of his offensive game. His ability to score both inside and outside the paint remained a key part of the Lakers' offense, but his reduced playing time meant fewer opportunities to rack up points. Even with the decreased scoring output, his presence on the court demanded defensive attention, opening up opportunities for his teammates.

On the rebounding front, Davis averaged 7.9 rebounds per game. This number is also a bit lower than his career average, further emphasizing the impact of his injuries. However, his rebounding was still a valuable asset for the Lakers, helping to secure possessions and limit second-chance points for opponents. He demonstrated a knack for positioning himself well to grab rebounds, and his length and athleticism made him a formidable force on the boards. Despite not reaching his usual rebounding heights, his contributions were crucial in many games, especially when the Lakers struggled with size and physicality in the frontcourt. Rebounding is often about effort and timing, and even with the injuries, Davis showed a commitment to helping his team control the glass.

Defensively, Anthony Davis continued to be a game-changer. He averaged 1.6 blocks and 0.8 steals per game. These numbers highlight his impact as a rim protector and his ability to disrupt opponents' offenses. His shot-blocking ability was particularly important for the Lakers, as it deterred opponents from attacking the basket and provided valuable defensive stops. His length, agility, and timing made him one of the league's premier defenders. He also showcased his versatility by guarding multiple positions, switching onto smaller players when needed, and holding his own. While the steals numbers might not jump off the page, his overall defensive presence had a significant impact on the Lakers' defensive rating. His ability to anticipate plays and react quickly made him a constant threat to opposing offenses. Overall, his defensive contributions remained a cornerstone of his value to the team, even with the injuries.

Playoff Performance

The 2021 playoffs were a challenging stretch for Anthony Davis and the Lakers. Injuries continued to plague Davis, limiting his effectiveness and availability. He played in just six playoff games before an injury in the first-round series against the Phoenix Suns sidelined him. This significantly hampered the Lakers' chances of defending their championship.

In those six games, Davis averaged 17.4 points per game, a noticeable drop from his regular-season output. His field goal percentage plummeted to .425, indicating that he was struggling to find his rhythm and score efficiently. The combination of his own physical limitations and the increased defensive intensity of the playoffs made it difficult for him to assert himself offensively. He still showed flashes of his brilliance, but the consistency and dominance that defined his play in the bubble the previous year were noticeably absent. His scoring struggles also had a ripple effect on the Lakers' offense, making it harder for them to generate points against a tough Suns defense.

Davis's rebounding numbers also declined in the playoffs, as he averaged 6.8 rebounds per game. This further underscored the impact of his injuries on his overall performance. Rebounding is often an indicator of a player's effort and physical condition, and the decrease in his rebounding numbers suggested that he was not at 100%. He still battled for position and tried to secure rebounds, but he lacked the explosiveness and stamina he typically displays. This also hurt the Lakers' ability to control the boards, giving the Suns more opportunities to score second-chance points. His diminished rebounding presence was a critical factor in the Lakers' struggles during the series.

Defensively, Davis averaged 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per game in the playoffs. While these numbers are respectable, they are not up to his usual standards. He still provided some rim protection and defensive versatility, but his overall impact was limited by his physical condition. He struggled to move as fluidly as he typically does, which affected his ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't fully compensate for his physical limitations, and the Lakers' defense suffered as a result. His defensive contributions were simply not enough to offset his struggles on the offensive end, especially with the team needing him to be a dominant force on both sides of the court.

Key Stats and Metrics

When analyzing Anthony Davis's 2021 stats, several key metrics help paint a comprehensive picture of his performance. Beyond the traditional stats of points, rebounds, and blocks, advanced metrics provide deeper insights into his efficiency, impact, and overall value to the Lakers.

One crucial metric is his Player Efficiency Rating (PER). In 2021, Davis's PER was lower than his career average, reflecting the impact of injuries and inconsistent play. PER is a per-minute rating that summarizes a player's statistical contributions, and a lower PER suggests that Davis was not as productive as he had been in previous seasons. This metric takes into account a wide range of factors, including scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, blocks, and turnovers, providing a holistic view of his overall performance. The drop in his PER underscores the challenges he faced throughout the season and playoffs.

Another important metric is his True Shooting Percentage (TS%). Davis's TS% in 2021 was also below his career average, indicating that he was not as efficient in scoring the ball. TS% takes into account field goals, three-pointers, and free throws, offering a more accurate measure of shooting efficiency than traditional field goal percentage. The decline in his TS% reflects his struggles with shooting consistency and his inability to convert scoring opportunities at his usual rate. This metric is particularly relevant for a player like Davis, who is expected to be a primary scoring option for his team.

His usage rate, which measures the percentage of team possessions a player uses while on the floor, remained relatively high. This suggests that the Lakers continued to rely on him heavily, even when he was not at 100%. However, his lower efficiency numbers indicate that he was not always able to capitalize on those opportunities. The combination of a high usage rate and lower efficiency highlights the challenges the Lakers faced in trying to maximize Davis's impact while managing his injuries and physical limitations. Despite his struggles, the team's continued reliance on him underscores his importance to their overall strategy.

Impact on the Lakers

Anthony Davis's performance in 2021 had a significant impact on the Lakers' overall success. His injuries and inconsistent play affected the team's ability to compete at a high level, especially in the playoffs. When Davis was healthy and playing at his best, the Lakers were a formidable force, capable of beating any team in the league. However, his extended absences and diminished effectiveness created a void that the team struggled to fill.

The Lakers' record with and without Davis tells a compelling story. When he played, the team's winning percentage was significantly higher, demonstrating his importance to their success. Conversely, when he was sidelined, the team struggled to maintain consistency and often lost to lesser opponents. His presence on the court provided a sense of stability and confidence that was difficult to replicate when he was out.

His impact extended beyond just scoring and rebounding. His defensive presence, versatility, and ability to create opportunities for his teammates were crucial to the Lakers' overall game plan. When he was healthy, he was able to anchor the defense, switch onto multiple positions, and provide valuable rim protection. He also drew defensive attention, creating open looks for his teammates and helping to facilitate the offense. His absence disrupted the team's chemistry and forced other players to take on bigger roles, which they were not always prepared to handle.

The Lakers' playoff performance in 2021 was a stark reminder of Davis's importance. Without him at full strength, the team was unable to overcome the Phoenix Suns in the first round. His injury exposed the Lakers' lack of depth and their over-reliance on Davis and LeBron James. It also highlighted the importance of having a healthy and consistent roster in order to compete for a championship. The Lakers' struggles in the playoffs underscored the fact that Davis is not just a key player, but an indispensable part of their team.

Conclusion

Alright guys, wrapping it up – Anthony Davis's 2021 season was a mixed bag, heavily influenced by injuries that impacted his availability and performance. While his raw stats still showcased his talent, they were a step below his usual dominant self. His absence and diminished effectiveness had a noticeable impact on the Lakers, especially in the playoffs. Looking ahead, his ability to stay healthy and consistent will be crucial for the Lakers' success. Hopefully, we'll see a resurgence from AD in the coming seasons! Thanks for diving deep with me into these stats!