On Monday, Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year. There is no doubt he is a defensive force. He led the league in blocked shots per game for the second straight year with 3.0 a game in the regular season.
But some wonder if the Lakers’ Anthony Davis has gotten short-changed.
He was not a finalist for the award. Even though he appeared in 56 games due to injury, he was a defensive beast himself.
If anyone doubted how dominant a defender he is, he reminded everyone in Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs against the Grizzlies. He produced three steals and seven blocks, while Jackson had just one steal and two blocks.
Dennis Schroder reaffirmed how vital Davis is for L.A.’s defense after practice on Tuesday.
Via Los Angeles Times:
“On the offensive end, for him, people are double teaming him. And he always makes the right decision and always tries to find the right man or the open man,” Schroder told The Times after Tuesday’s practice. “But on the defensive end, he’s our anchor. He does so much for us.”
Davis isn’t just a rim-protector. He has the ability to switch on the perimeter and effectively guard players at multiple positions.
It is the defensive versatility of players such as him and newcomer Jarred Vanderbilt that has contributed to a born-again Lakers defense over the last two months.
After being anemic on that end of the floor last season and during the first half of this season, the team ranked fourth in defensive rating after the All-Star break.
In addition, Davis has taken on more of a leadership role on defense.
Via Los Angeles Times:
“Earlier in the season, Lakers players and coaches said the team suffered from a lack of communication and accountability. However, after the trade deadline balanced the roster and gave the Lakers a clearer hierarchy, the communication channels opened.
“As Davis discovered that he has a large “ownership” on the team’s fortunes, something his teammates have sensed, his on-court demeanor has changed. He has been more forceful, more willing to verbalize disappointment with blown coverages and mistakes. With the Lakers having better communication over the last two months, it has helped the team accelerate the learning curve from a lack of continuity.”
Los Angeles’ reinvigorated defense could very well power it to a series win over Memphis and give it a puncher’s chance at winning the NBA championship this summer.
