Anthony Davis’ 30 points and 23 rebounds led the Lakers past the Warriors in Game 1 of their second-round series Tuesday night.
According to Charles Barkley on TNT’s tremendous postgame show, more performances like that are on the way for the Lakers’ star big man, as long as Davis is motivated like he was in Game 1.
“Listen, [Kevon] Looney is a good player, but he’s got no foot speed trying to guard A.D., and Draymond [Green] is too little,” Barkley said. “If he’s motivated, [Davis] is going to get this every game.”
Here’s Chuck’s full take.
“If he’s motivated, he’s gonna get this every game.”
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 3, 2023
Chuck on AD's Game 1 performance vs. Warriors pic.twitter.com/3YQ3txY1A4
Davis had a strong first-round series against the Grizzlies, averaging nearly 21 points and 14 rebounds with five double-doubles in the six-game series. He also has shouldered a heavy minutes load, including playing nearly 44 minutes against the Warriors in Game 1.
Barkley’s view on the Warriors’ path to winning the series despite a dominant Davis: Win the three-point battle.
“It’s going to come down to, can Golden State make enough threes to offset it?” Barkley said.
Game 2 of the series is Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.
