Anthony Davis is basically an NBA MVP candidate every season he plays enough games to be considered. He puts up video game numbers and makes his team inordinately better when he’s on the court. But lately, since DeMarcus Cousins went down, The Brow has been on another level entirely.
Holy smokes, Anthony Davis
We have that and more in Monday’s NBA newsletter.
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The Pelicans have won five straight (including a Sunday heartstopper) to stay in strong position in the Western Conference playoff race, and A.D. is averaging 39-14 with more than 3 steals and 2 blocks over that span. On the season, he’s at 28-11 on 54 percent shooting.
David Fisher makes the case that Davis is in the MVP race. I have him in the top three with James Harden (the overwhelming favorite) and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Pelicans are now No. 6 in the West, which means avoiding the Rockets and Warriors in the first round of the playoffs, which means they’d have a shot at winning a series. That’s something Davis has never done, and while it wouldn’t impact the MVP race, it’d be HUGE for his career and the Pelicans’ future.
Scores Galore ...
DET 98, CHA 114
NOP 123, MIL 121 (OT)
SAS 110, CLE 94
PHI 94, WAS 109
HOU 119, DEN 114
... And So Much More
Dan Fegan, one of the most prominent and powerful NBA agents, was killed in a car crash in Colorado over the weekend. Wishing for peace and love for his family.
Jimmy Butler tore his meniscus on Friday after a week of rest. He’ll miss four to six weeks after surgery. Despite being on crutches, he came through for a young fan as a part of the Make-a-Wish Foundation’s effort.
Gregg Popovich is proud LeBron won’t just shut up and dribble. This is definitely my favorite mutual appreciation society. I’ve been trying to ship Pop and LeBron for years.
The Warriors smoked the Thunder on national TV Saturday. Zito Madu says Golden State needed to remind everyone who they are. Meanwhile, Zaza Pachulia “clumsily” fell on Russell Westbrook’s legs, giving Warriors fans yet another opportunity to explain how physics and biomechanics conspire to make Golden State appear dirty. The Thunder, including Westbrook, were H-O-T about the incident.
Deandre Ayton, who might be the best player in college basketball and has a shot at being the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, is caught up in a scandal with Arizona basketball coach Sean Miller. Reportedly there’s an FBI wiretap that has Miller discussing a $100,000 payment to an agent’s runner to deliver Ayton to Tucson. Miller didn’t coach this weekend, but Ayton played. I wrote that the NBA shares some blame in this crooked, absurd ecosystem.
LeBron argues that refs have a bias that favors shooters at the expense of players who drive to the rim.
Mark Cuban isn’t the only NBA owner talking about tanking. He just happens to be the only fined over it. (I would argue similarly that that Magic Johnson is not the only GM to tamper, but he’s the only one getting fined over it.)
Speaking of the T-word, the Bulls are now officially looking at young players.
Kelly Dwyer makes the comprehensive case for putting Chris Webber in the Hall of Fame.
A hefty 10-game slate on Monday. NBA TV has Warriors-Knicks at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by Timberwolves-Kings at 10. Rockets-Jazz at 9 is your game of the night. Full schedule here.
Let’s finish with some good news. Kevin Durant is donating $10 million to help kids from his hometown become the first members of their families to graduate from college. His teammate Draymond Green is investing in building 20 affordable gyms -- something he never had access to -- in Michigan and Illinois.
Be excellent to each other.
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