Anthony Davis' 2021-22 Season: A Statistical Deep Dive

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2021-22 season of Anthony Davis, a period that, for many NBA fans, was a rollercoaster of emotions. We're talking about a guy who, when healthy, is arguably one of the most dominant forces in basketball. But that season, well, it was a mixed bag. We'll break down everything from his points per game to his rebounds, blocks, and even how he impacted the game overall. Get ready for a statistical journey, and let's see what made this season unique for the Brow.

Scoring Prowess: Points, Efficiency, and Beyond

Alright, let's kick things off with the bread and butter: Anthony Davis' scoring. In the 2021-22 season, AD averaged 23.2 points per game. This is a pretty solid number, especially considering the injury struggles he faced. When we compare it to his peak seasons, like the 2019-20 championship run where he averaged over 26 points, it's clear he wasn't quite at his absolute best, but still a significant scoring threat. Now, let's look at how he was getting those points. AD shot 53.2% from the field, which is a respectable percentage for a big man who takes a variety of shots, from close-range buckets to mid-range jumpers. However, the three-point shooting wasn't his strong suit that year, as he only shot around 18.6% from beyond the arc. The main focus was inside the paint and mid-range game. His free throw percentage was around 71.3%, a decent number for a player of his size.

What truly makes Davis special is his versatility. He can score in many ways - posting up smaller defenders, hitting fadeaway jumpers, finishing strong at the rim, and even handling the ball in transition. The ability to score from almost anywhere on the court makes him incredibly difficult to guard. His scoring efficiency, which we can measure using metrics like true shooting percentage (TS%), was around 56.5%. It indicates how well he was scoring overall, taking into account the value of three-pointers and free throws. It's a good number, showing that he was still efficient despite not being at his peak.

However, the scoring numbers don't tell the whole story. You also need to factor in the context of the team. The Lakers, as a whole, struggled that season. They had a lot of issues, including injuries, inconsistent play, and a lack of chemistry. This affected everyone on the team, including AD. So, while his scoring numbers were good, it's important to remember that he was part of a team that wasn't performing up to expectations. The weight of carrying the offensive load can also impact a player's efficiency and overall performance. Moreover, the number of games played also needs to be taken into account; he missed a significant number of games due to injuries, which is something we will touch upon later. Despite the team's struggles, AD remained a focal point of the offense, and his scoring output was crucial for any success the Lakers managed to achieve.

Rebounding and Interior Dominance: Grabbing Boards and Protecting the Rim

Okay, let's shift gears and talk about rebounding and interior defense. This is where AD truly shines when healthy. In the 2021-22 season, he averaged 9.9 rebounds per game. That's a great number, showcasing his ability to box out, anticipate where the ball will land, and go up and get it. He's always been one of the best rebounders at his position, and this season was no different, despite the injury setbacks. He consistently crashes the boards, both on the offensive and defensive ends, giving his team extra possessions and limiting second-chance opportunities for the opposition. His rebounding ability is vital for a team's success.

More importantly, let's talk about defense. Davis is one of the best shot-blockers in the league when healthy. In 2021-22, he averaged 2.3 blocks per game, which is a fantastic number. He altered countless shots, protected the rim, and made opponents think twice before driving into the paint. His presence alone changed how teams approached the Lakers' defense. He's also a strong defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. He can switch onto guards, stay in front of them, and use his length to disrupt their shots. His defensive versatility is one of the biggest reasons why he's so valuable. He can quickly rotate and help teammates if they get beat, and is very active on the defensive end. His defensive impact is often more significant than his offensive contributions.

His impact on the defensive end goes beyond just blocks. He's a great help defender, constantly rotating to provide support and disrupt opponents' plays. His ability to anticipate where the ball will go, and his quick reactions enable him to make plays that often don't show up in the box score, but are critical to defensive success. His presence anchors the Lakers' defense and his defensive rating highlights his value. He helps his teammates get into position, and his ability to alter shots at the rim gives his team a great advantage.

Injury Woes and Game Availability: The Unseen Struggle

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: injuries. The 2021-22 season was marred by injuries for Anthony Davis. He played in only 40 games out of a possible 82. This was a massive blow for the Lakers, as they heavily relied on him. The types of injuries he sustained varied, including knee, ankle, and wrist issues. These injuries not only limited his playing time but also affected his performance when he was on the court. It's hard to maintain consistent production when you're constantly dealing with physical setbacks. It's tough for a player to find a rhythm when they keep having to sit out games and then try to return to peak form.

The impact of his injuries on the Lakers was significant. They struggled to maintain consistency and cohesiveness as a team without him. The team's record took a hit, and their playoff chances were jeopardized. It's a reminder of how crucial a healthy AD is to the Lakers' success. His absence created a void that was difficult to fill. His impact on both ends of the court, along with his leadership, was missed greatly when he was sidelined. You also have to consider the mental aspect of dealing with injuries. Players often get frustrated when they're unable to play and contribute to the team. The mental toll can be just as damaging as the physical injuries. It takes a lot of mental fortitude to remain positive and stay focused on getting healthy and returning to the court.

However, even with the injuries, AD showed glimpses of his brilliance. When he was on the court, he reminded everyone why he's considered one of the best players in the league. His ability to dominate on both ends of the court, even while hampered, was truly impressive. This season was a tough reminder of how important it is for him to stay healthy if the Lakers are going to compete for a championship.

Impact and Advanced Metrics: Beyond the Box Score

Alright, let's get into some advanced metrics and discuss Anthony Davis' impact beyond the basic stats. These metrics give us a deeper understanding of his contribution to the team. One of the most important metrics is Player Efficiency Rating (PER). PER attempts to summarize a player's per-minute productivity. In the 2021-22 season, AD had a PER of 22.8, which is still good but lower than his peak seasons. It indicates that he was still an effective player, even with the injuries and the team's struggles. His impact was still felt when he was on the court.

Another key metric is Win Shares. Win Shares estimate the number of wins a player contributes to their team. In the 2021-22 season, AD had 3.9 Win Shares. This number shows that, despite missing games, he still contributed significantly to the Lakers' wins when he was available. It helps to show how valuable he was to the team's success. The stats also tell the story of the team's struggles. The team's overall performance was inconsistent, and injuries hampered the Lakers' ability to build momentum. It's hard to measure a player's full impact when the team around them isn't performing at its best. Advanced stats help to put his performance into perspective. They take into account factors like the player's role, the quality of their teammates, and the level of competition they face.

Defensive metrics also paint a picture of AD's impact. Defensive Rating measures how many points a team allows per 100 possessions when a player is on the court. Davis' defensive rating was a crucial part of the Lakers' defense, showing how much his presence impacted their ability to defend. It helps us see how valuable he is on the defensive side of the ball. These advanced metrics give us a more complete picture of Davis' impact on the team, highlighting his strengths and areas for improvement. They allow us to move beyond the basic counting stats and see how he truly contributed to the team's success.

Conclusion: A Season of Highs and Lows

So, in conclusion, the 2021-22 season for Anthony Davis was a season of highs and lows. While his raw numbers were still impressive, injuries plagued him, and the Lakers struggled. His scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities were still on display when he was on the court, reminding everyone of his potential. The season was a reminder of how important it is for him to stay healthy and how much he impacts the team's performance.

Despite the challenges, Davis showed resilience and determination. He played hard whenever he was on the court and contributed as much as he could. This season was a learning experience for him and the Lakers, and it highlighted the need for improvement and consistency. For AD, the key takeaway was the importance of staying healthy. For the Lakers, it was about finding ways to support and protect their star player. The season ended with a sense of disappointment, but also with hope for the future. The team knew they needed to make changes and learn from the mistakes of the past. The 2021-22 season was a stepping stone, preparing AD for the future.

Thanks for joining me on this statistical deep dive, guys! I hope you enjoyed it! Let me know what you think in the comments. Keep ballin'!