Davis dominates in a big way
NEW ORLEANS — Rajon Rondo told Anthony Davis to “take a nap and think about 50” in the hours leading up to playoff game New Orleans all but had to win to have any hope of staging a playoff upset of defending champion Golden State.
Davis didn't quite score 50 points, but his dominance got the Pelicans back in the series.
Highlighted by dunks of the driving, put-back or alley-oop variety, Davis had 33 points to go with 18 rebounds and four steals, and the Pelicans defeated the Warriors 119-100 on Friday night to trim Golden State's series lead to 2-1.
“He came out aggressive. He set the tone on both ends of the floor,” Rondo said. “He attacked the rim strong tonight.”
Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry added that he “felt real good” during a timeout when he heard Davis say, “We're not losing this game.”
Davis' determined play around the basket helped New Orleans outscore the Warriors 54-36 in the paint and outrebound Golden State 54-44.
The Pelicans five-time All-Star said “aggression” had more to do with his team's victory than any tactical adjustments they made.
The Warriors have been known to erase large deficits in a hurry, but each time they tried to do so in Game 3, the Pelicans responded en route to a resounding victory. The Warriors never led by more than a single point and trailed by double digits for almost the entire first half, going down by 25 points in the third quarter and 26 in the fourth.
Golden State shot uncharacteristically poorly from outside, missing 22of-31 3-point attempts and finishing at 38 percent shooting (35-of-92) overall.
“Most of it is attributed the Pelicans. Their defense was great,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “They were the aggressors.”
Klay Thompson scored 26 for Golden State, but missed 13-of-22 shots. Stephen Curry, in his second game back after a sprained knee sidelined him more than a month, missed 13of-19 shots and finished with 19 points. Kevin Durant scored 22 points for the Warriors, but hit only two shots after half.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, made 14-of-31 3s, with Holiday, Clark, Nikola Mirotic and Solomon Hill each hitting three.