The New Orleans Pelicans are finding it tough to win games in the regular season this time round, despite Anthony Davis putting up strong performances.
The Pelicans sit in 14th spot in the Western conference, with a terrible 17-22 record. Their latest loss came agains the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, despite Anthony Davis having 36 points and 26 rebounds on the night.
Anthony Davis was furious after the defeat as he felt that the Pelicans were just not playing any defense.
According to Davis, the defense was lethargic and let the Nets do whatever they wanted on their offense.
#NBA: WATCH! Anthony Davis went off for 34 points, but it wasn't enough to lift the Pelicans past the Nets. https://t.co/ASxM5hXRRV pic.twitter.com/5o7ct4tnwH
— ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) January 3, 2019
Anthony Davis tonight in Brooklyn:
34 PTS (2 3PM)
26 REB (franchise record)
4 AST, 3 BLK@PelicansNBA | #doitBIG pic.twitter.com/datNRpZXxh— NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2019
Davis’ comments of frustration will be heavily monitored by the Lakers and the Celtics, as both franchises are trying to lure Davis in.
“We’re a better team than our record shows,” Davis said as quoted by ESPN.
“Everyone is frustrated. Players, coaches, front office. We’ve just got to do better.
“We wasn’t playing no defense. The whole first half, they did whatever they wanted. They didn’t feel us on the defensive end. We wasn’t physical, wasn’t talking. They got a lot layups, a lot of open threes. They shot the ball extremely well in the first half due to our lazy defense.” he added
The Nets were allowed some very easy offensive plays by the Pelicans but they too were impressive with their shooting, especially their 3 point shooting, scoring 16 off their 31 three point attempts.
How is Harden winning games without help in Houston, but Anthony Davis has 2nd worst record in West with Jrue Holiday & Julius Randle by his side?
— Justin Termine (@TermineRadio) January 3, 2019
Anthony Davis had 34pts and 26rebs tonight. Pelicans lost to the Nets. pic.twitter.com/Yu7kT7kG4S
— Jag (@JagannathMrtn) January 3, 2019
Davis believes the team has a lot to offer, especially after what it did in the league last season, With Payton having comeback into the side, Pelicans would be hoping they can replicate their early season form when they went 4-0.
Injuries have marred Pelican’s progress and it is left to be seen how all of this plays on Davis’ mind with a trade in the offing.
The Lakers and LeBron have been trying to recruit Anthony Davis, with LeBron even taking the Pelicans man out for dinner on their visit to the Staples centre late last month.
With Davis openly stating his frustration regarding how the Pelicans are functioning and playing, it seems as if the Lakers do stand a chance of securing his signature and taking the second step in building a dynasty of their own in LA.
These losses are sure to take a toll on Davis as he would want to be winning side especially after putting up such brilliant performances. But is Davis a little at fault too?
LeBron and the Lakers will be on red alert following Davis’s outburst from last night. Will Davis push for a trade much sooner?
