Anthony Davis: 2018 Playoff Stats & Performance

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Let's dive deep into Anthony Davis's performance during the 2018 playoffs. For basketball enthusiasts and fans of "The Brow," understanding his stats from that postseason run provides valuable insights into his capabilities and impact on the New Orleans Pelicans. We'll explore his scoring, rebounding, defense, and overall efficiency, giving you a comprehensive look at how he performed under the intense pressure of playoff basketball.

Overview of Anthony Davis's 2018 Playoff Run

In the 2018 playoffs, Anthony Davis was an absolute force to be reckoned with. Leading the New Orleans Pelicans, he showcased his immense talent and versatility on both ends of the court. The Pelicans entered the playoffs as the sixth seed in the Western Conference, facing a tough challenge against the higher-seeded Portland Trail Blazers in the first round. Despite being the underdogs, Davis and his teammates were determined to make a statement.

Throughout the series against the Trail Blazers, Davis consistently delivered dominant performances. His ability to score, rebound, and protect the rim proved to be a major factor in the Pelicans' success. He set the tone early in the series, establishing his presence as a dominant force that the Trail Blazers struggled to contain. His scoring was crucial, often leading the team in points and providing the offensive firepower needed to compete. Beyond scoring, his rebounding was equally important, securing crucial possessions and limiting second-chance opportunities for the Trail Blazers.

Davis's defensive impact was also undeniable. His shot-blocking ability and presence in the paint deterred opponents from attacking the basket, and his overall defensive awareness helped the Pelicans control the flow of the game. The Pelicans' coaching staff relied heavily on Davis to anchor their defense, and he consistently rose to the occasion. His defensive prowess not only disrupted the Trail Blazers' offensive schemes but also inspired his teammates to elevate their defensive intensity.

Ultimately, Anthony Davis led the Pelicans to a stunning sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers, marking one of the biggest upsets of the 2018 playoffs. This victory demonstrated Davis's ability to perform at an elite level in high-pressure situations and solidified his reputation as one of the league's premier players. The Pelicans' success in the first round was a testament to Davis's leadership and his ability to elevate the performance of his teammates.

Key Statistical Highlights

Scoring Prowess

Anthony Davis demonstrated exceptional scoring ability throughout the 2018 playoffs, consistently leading the New Orleans Pelicans in points. His offensive game was a blend of power and finesse, allowing him to score in a variety of ways. Whether it was posting up defenders, driving to the basket, or hitting mid-range jumpers, Davis proved to be a versatile and unstoppable scorer.

In the series against the Portland Trail Blazers, Davis averaged an impressive 33.0 points per game. This scoring output was a significant increase from his regular-season average, highlighting his ability to elevate his game in the playoffs. He consistently found ways to exploit mismatches and create scoring opportunities, keeping the Trail Blazers' defense on its heels. His ability to score efficiently while drawing fouls also made him a constant threat to the opposing team.

Davis's scoring was particularly crucial in close games, where his ability to deliver clutch baskets often made the difference. He showed a remarkable composure under pressure, making key shots down the stretch and leading the Pelicans to victory. His offensive performance not only boosted the team's morale but also put immense pressure on the Trail Blazers to keep pace.

Rebounding Dominance

Rebounding was another area where Anthony Davis excelled during the 2018 playoffs. His size, athleticism, and determination made him a dominant force on the boards, securing crucial possessions for the New Orleans Pelicans. Davis's rebounding prowess was essential in limiting second-chance opportunities for opponents and creating additional scoring opportunities for his team.

Throughout the playoff run, Davis averaged an impressive 11.8 rebounds per game. His ability to secure both offensive and defensive rebounds played a significant role in the Pelicans' success. On the defensive end, he consistently boxed out opponents and cleared the glass, preventing them from extending possessions. On the offensive end, he was relentless in pursuing rebounds, often creating second-chance opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Davis's rebounding was particularly impactful in the series against the Portland Trail Blazers, where he consistently outhustled and outmaneuvered the opposing players. His presence on the boards not only helped the Pelicans control the tempo of the game but also provided a psychological advantage. His dominance in rebounding sent a clear message to the Trail Blazers that the Pelicans were determined to win every battle on the court.

Defensive Impact

Anthony Davis's defensive impact during the 2018 playoffs was nothing short of phenomenal. His ability to protect the rim, block shots, and disrupt opponents' offensive schemes made him a defensive anchor for the New Orleans Pelicans. Davis's presence in the paint deterred opposing players from attacking the basket, and his defensive awareness helped the Pelicans control the flow of the game.

Throughout the playoff run, Davis averaged an impressive 2.8 blocks per game. His shot-blocking ability was a major deterrent for opponents, forcing them to alter their shots or avoid driving to the basket altogether. His timing and athleticism allowed him to swat away shots with precision, often igniting fast-break opportunities for the Pelicans.

Davis's defensive impact extended beyond just blocking shots. His ability to guard multiple positions, switch on screens, and anticipate passing lanes made him a versatile and disruptive defender. He consistently made smart defensive plays, helping the Pelicans force turnovers and limit easy scoring opportunities for their opponents. His defensive prowess was a key factor in the Pelicans' ability to shut down the Portland Trail Blazers' high-powered offense.

Game-by-Game Breakdown

To truly appreciate Anthony Davis's impact, let's break down his performance game by game during the first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers:

Game 1: Davis set the tone early with a dominant performance, scoring 35 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. His presence was felt on both ends of the court, leading the Pelicans to a decisive victory.
Game 2: He continued his stellar play, contributing 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks. His defensive impact was particularly notable, as he disrupted the Trail Blazers' offensive flow and protected the rim.
Game 3: Davis once again led the charge with 28 points and 11 rebounds. His consistency and leadership were instrumental in the Pelicans' road victory, putting them in a commanding position in the series.
Game 4: In the series-clinching game, Davis delivered another outstanding performance with 47 points and 11 rebounds. His scoring outburst was the highest of the series, solidifying his status as a playoff superstar and completing the sweep.

Analysis of Performance Metrics

Analyzing Anthony Davis's performance metrics from the 2018 playoffs provides deeper insights into his efficiency and overall impact on the game. Beyond the basic counting stats, metrics like true shooting percentage, player efficiency rating (PER), and win shares offer a more comprehensive evaluation of his performance.

True Shooting Percentage (TS%): Davis recorded an impressive true shooting percentage of 64.4% during the playoffs. This metric takes into account his shooting efficiency from the field, free-throw line, and three-point line, demonstrating his ability to score efficiently from various areas of the court.
Player Efficiency Rating (PER): Davis posted a PER of 32.1 during the playoffs, which is considered an elite rating. PER is a comprehensive statistic that combines a player's positive and negative contributions into a single number, providing an overall assessment of their performance. Davis's high PER indicates that he was one of the most impactful players in the playoffs.
Win Shares: Davis accumulated a significant number of win shares during the playoff run, reflecting his contribution to the team's success. Win shares estimate the number of wins a player is responsible for based on their statistical contributions. Davis's high win shares indicate that he played a crucial role in the Pelicans' victories.

Impact on the Pelicans

Anthony Davis's performance in the 2018 playoffs had a profound impact on the New Orleans Pelicans. His scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess elevated the team's performance and instilled a sense of confidence and determination. Davis's leadership and ability to perform at an elite level in high-pressure situations inspired his teammates to raise their game and compete at their best.

Davis's presence on the court created numerous opportunities for his teammates. His ability to draw double teams and create scoring opportunities for others made the Pelicans' offense more dynamic and unpredictable. His rebounding provided the team with extra possessions, while his shot-blocking and defensive presence deterred opponents from attacking the basket. Davis's all-around impact made the Pelicans a formidable force in the playoffs.

Moreover, Davis's success in the 2018 playoffs helped solidify his reputation as one of the league's premier players. His dominant performances against the Portland Trail Blazers showcased his immense talent and potential, earning him widespread recognition and praise. His playoff run not only boosted his individual profile but also elevated the Pelicans' status as a team to watch in the Western Conference.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Anthony Davis's 2018 playoff stats paint a clear picture of his dominance and impact on the New Orleans Pelicans. His scoring, rebounding, and defensive abilities were on full display as he led the team to a surprising sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers. His performance not only solidified his place among the league's elite but also gave fans a glimpse of his potential to lead a team to championship contention. Understanding these stats offers valuable insights into what made Anthony Davis a formidable force during that memorable playoff run. So, next time you're discussing great playoff performances, don't forget to highlight Anthony Davis's incredible showing in 2018!