Anthony Davis 2021-22 Season Stats: Key Highlights

Let's dive into the remarkable statistics of Anthony Davis from the 2021-2022 NBA season. We'll explore his performance metrics, game highlights, and overall impact on the Los Angeles Lakers. For fans and analysts alike, understanding these stats offers valuable insights into Davis's contributions and areas for improvement.

Season Overview

The 2021-2022 season was a rollercoaster for Anthony Davis and the Lakers. Injuries plagued the team, and Davis himself missed a significant number of games. Despite these challenges, when he was on the court, Davis showcased his exceptional talent and versatility. He remained a dominant force on both ends of the floor, providing scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess. Let's break down his key stats to get a clearer picture.

Games Played

Anthony Davis played in just 40 games during the 2021-2022 regular season. This limited availability undoubtedly impacted the Lakers' overall performance. Staying healthy has always been a crucial factor for Davis, and this season underscored its importance even further. His presence on the court is transformative, and his absence leaves a noticeable void.

Points Per Game (PPG)

Davis averaged an impressive 23.2 points per game. This scoring output highlights his role as one of the primary offensive options for the Lakers. He demonstrated a variety of scoring methods, including post moves, jump shots, and attacking the basket. His ability to consistently score points is a major asset, making him a focal point for opposing defenses.

Rebounds Per Game (RPG)

On the boards, Davis was a force, averaging 9.9 rebounds per game. His rebounding skills are essential for securing possessions and limiting second-chance opportunities for opponents. Whether it's offensive or defensive rebounds, Davis's effort and positioning make him a reliable rebounder, contributing significantly to the team's overall rebounding performance.

Assists Per Game (APG)

Davis also contributed as a playmaker, averaging 3.1 assists per game. While not his primary role, his ability to pass and create opportunities for teammates adds another dimension to his game. These assists often come from his ability to draw double teams, leading to open shots for his fellow Lakers.

Blocks Per Game (BPG)

Defensively, Davis averaged 2.3 blocks per game. His shot-blocking ability is a deterrent for opponents and a crucial component of the Lakers' defense. His presence in the paint makes players think twice before driving to the basket, and his timing and athleticism allow him to contest and block shots effectively.

Steals Per Game (SPG)

In addition to blocks, Davis averaged 1.2 steals per game. His active hands and defensive awareness allow him to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers. These steals often lead to fast-break opportunities, adding another layer to his defensive impact.

Field Goal Percentage (FG%)

Davis shot 53.2% from the field, demonstrating his efficiency as a scorer. This high field goal percentage reflects his ability to make shots around the basket and convert opportunities created by his teammates. Efficient scoring is a key component of his game, making him a reliable option in the Lakers' offense.

Three-Point Percentage (3P%)

From beyond the arc, Davis shot 18.6% on 1.8 attempts per game. While three-point shooting is not his primary strength, his ability to occasionally knock down a three-pointer can stretch the defense and create more space for his teammates. Improving his three-point shooting could further enhance his offensive versatility.

Free Throw Percentage (FT%)

At the free-throw line, Davis shot 75.8%. Consistent free-throw shooting is crucial for any player, and Davis's proficiency from the line allows him to capitalize on opportunities to score easy points. Improving his free-throw percentage can contribute to his overall scoring efficiency.

Advanced Stats

Beyond the traditional stats, advanced metrics offer deeper insights into Davis's performance. Let's explore some key advanced stats from the 2021-2022 season.

Player Efficiency Rating (PER)

Davis posted a PER of 25.7, indicating his significant impact on the game. PER is a comprehensive metric that takes into account a player's positive and negative contributions, and Davis's high PER reflects his overall effectiveness on the court.

True Shooting Percentage (TS%)

His true shooting percentage was 58.7%, which factors in free throws, two-point field goals, and three-point field goals. This percentage offers a more accurate measure of his shooting efficiency compared to traditional field goal percentage, highlighting his ability to score efficiently from various areas of the court.

Usage Percentage (USG%)

Davis had a usage percentage of 29.2%, indicating how often the team's possessions ended with him taking a shot, drawing a foul, or committing a turnover. This high usage percentage reflects his role as a primary offensive option for the Lakers.

Win Shares (WS)

He accumulated 2.6 win shares during the season. Win shares estimate the number of wins a player contributes to their team based on their individual statistics. While this number was impacted by the number of games he played, it still reflects his positive impact when he was on the court.

Game Highlights

Throughout the 2021-2022 season, Anthony Davis had several standout performances. Here are a few notable game highlights:

Dominant Scoring Performances

Davis had multiple games where he scored over 30 points, showcasing his scoring prowess. These performances often included a combination of post moves, jump shots, and free throws, demonstrating his versatility as a scorer.

Rebounding Prowess

He recorded several games with double-digit rebounds, highlighting his ability to control the boards. These performances were crucial for the Lakers, providing them with extra possessions and limiting second-chance opportunities for opponents.

Defensive Impact

Davis had numerous games with multiple blocks and steals, showcasing his defensive impact. His shot-blocking ability deterred opponents from driving to the basket, and his steals created turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities.

Impact on the Lakers

Anthony Davis's presence on the court significantly impacted the Lakers' performance. His scoring, rebounding, and defensive abilities made him a focal point on both ends of the floor. However, his availability was a major concern, as the Lakers struggled when he was sidelined with injuries.

Offensive Contributions

Offensively, Davis provided the Lakers with a reliable scoring option. His ability to score in the post, shoot jump shots, and attack the basket made him difficult to defend. His playmaking abilities also contributed to the team's offensive flow.

Defensive Presence

Defensively, Davis was a game-changer. His shot-blocking ability deterred opponents from driving to the basket, and his rebounding skills helped limit second-chance opportunities. His presence in the paint made the Lakers a tougher team to score against.

Impact of Injuries

Davis's injuries had a significant impact on the Lakers' overall performance. When he was out, the team struggled to replace his scoring, rebounding, and defensive contributions. Staying healthy is crucial for Davis and the Lakers' success.

Areas for Improvement

While Anthony Davis is a superstar player, there are areas where he can improve to further enhance his game. Let's explore some of these areas.

Three-Point Shooting

Improving his three-point shooting could make him an even more versatile offensive player. If he can consistently knock down three-pointers, it would stretch the defense and create more space for his teammates.

Consistency

Maintaining a high level of performance consistently throughout the season is another area for improvement. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, consistency is key to becoming an even more dominant player.

Health and Durability

Staying healthy is perhaps the most important area for improvement. Davis's injuries have limited his availability, and staying on the court is crucial for him to reach his full potential and help the Lakers compete for championships.

Conclusion

Anthony Davis's 2021-2022 season was a mix of brilliance and frustration. When he was on the court, he showcased his exceptional talent and versatility, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor. However, injuries limited his availability, impacting the Lakers' overall performance. Understanding his stats and performance highlights provides valuable insights into his contributions and areas for improvement. As he moves forward, staying healthy and continuing to develop his game will be crucial for Davis and the Lakers' success. Overall, he is still a very valuable player when healthy and definitely someone you want on your team. What do you guys think?