Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis’ magic run ended as he only managed to put up just one point during a 112 – 106 loss against Cleveland Cavaliers. The Kentucky wildcat had to exit the game early after suffering flu-like symptoms according to coach Davin Ham, who also confirmed that Davis will be out of the next game on Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors.
In a short appearance against the Cavs, Davis didn’t take a shot while adding three rebounds and two assists before being forced to leave the game. Ham stated that Davis’ symptoms gradually worsened during the course of the day and the forward was ‘drained and dehydrated’.
“His temperature was 101 and some change,” Ham said. “A-D wanted to try to play, but he felt too weak. He’s drained and dehydrated. That’s a huge loss, obviously, with the way he’s been playing lately.” Ham also stressed AD had not tested positive for COVID-19. He said, “Because of COVID, people forget that there is a common cold and the common flu out there. That’s what we’re dealing with here.”
The eight-time All-Star has played just 76 games over the past two seasons due to injuries. But recently AD was on an incredible run as he won the Western Conference player of the week after averaging 37.8 points, 13.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.3 blocks in four games.
In his previous 10 games, Davis averaged 34.2 points with 15.4 rebounds. He also shot 63% from the field and 86% from the free-throw line. With quality performances on the trot, AD received multiple MVP nodes as his stats for this season resemble Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokoumo’s 2018 MVP season.
Going back to the game, Anthony Davis’ absence had an instant impact on the Lakers as LeBron James and Co. found it difficult to contain the towering Jarrett Allen who scored 24 points with 11 rebounds. King James posted 21 points with 17 rebounds but was overshadowed by a dominant performance by Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, who combined to score 64 points.
