Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ commanding victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on NBA Opening Night, Anthony Davis delivered an impressive performance that had fans buzzing. The nine-time All-Star dominated the game, racking up 36 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks, and a steal.
His stellar play was crucial in the Lakers’ 110-103 win and showcased his elite skills, particularly in a matchup against Timberwolves’ star big man Rudy Gobert.
Davis, who has long been known for his defensive prowess, seemed to take the game personally, especially when going head-to-head with Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) winner.
In addition to their NBA rivalry, Davis also bested Gobert on the international stage earlier this year when Team USA defeated Gobert’s Team France in the 2024 Paris Olympics to win the gold medal.
After the Lakers’ win, Davis took what many perceived as a not-so-subtle shot at Gobert when he spoke about his own defensive performance. “I showed some Defensive Player of the Year type stuff out there tonight,” Davis said, hinting that his display on the court should put him in the conversation for the prestigious award.
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Throughout the game, Davis repeatedly scored over Gobert, even hitting crucial jump shots in key moments. While Gobert is widely regarded for his defensive skills, he struggled against Davis, finishing with just 13 points, one block, and no steals.
In contrast, Davis not only outscored Gobert but made a significant impact on both ends of the floor, particularly when he blocked Gobert in one of the game’s most memorable plays.
Davis’ comments come at a time when the Defensive Player of the Year race is already heating up.
Despite Gobert’s established reputation and the hype surrounding rising star Victor Wembanyama, who is the current favorite to win the 2025 DPOY, Davis made a compelling case for himself as a sleeper pick for the award.
While Wembanyama might be the frontrunner, Davis’ odds (+2200) could offer better value if he continues to deliver performances like he did on Opening Night.
If Davis remains healthy and maintains his dominant form, he could make a strong push for his first-ever DPOY award. Though often overshadowed by Gobert’s decorated defensive resume, Davis has long been recognized as one of the best two-way players in the league.
His blend of scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities makes him a force to be reckoned with, and his performance against Gobert may be the first of many statements he makes this season.
With the season still young, it remains to be seen how the DPOY race will unfold. However, if Davis continues to play at this level, his sleeper status could shift as he emerges as a legitimate contender for the award.
Whether or not his remarks were a direct jab at Gobert, Davis’ game spoke for itself—he’s ready to challenge the league’s top defenders for the coveted title.
