Scorching AD drops season-high 55 points in Lakers' win over Wizards
Anthony Davis continued his hot stretch of play in the nation's capital, pouring in a season-high 55 points, 17 boards, and three blocks in the Los Angeles Lakers' 130-119 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday.
Only nine other players in league history have produced the same amount of points and rebounds in a single game, according to SB Nation.
Davis joins Kevin McHale as the only other player to record 55 points, 15 rebounds, and three rejections in one contest since blocks became an official stat in 1973-74, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
The 29-year-old went 22-for-30 from the field and a perfect 9-for-9 from the charity stripe. He's the first Lakers player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1969 to register at least 50 points and 10 boards while also converting 70% or more of his field goals, according to StatMuse.
"Whenever he's healthy, feeling great about his body, you see those types of performances," Lakers head coach Darvin Ham told reporters postgame. "It's been fun to watch. ... And the guys (are) really being inspired by his performances and really wanting to see him thrive and excel at that level."
Davis tied Shaquille O'Neal for the most career 40-point, 15-rebound performances with 19. Since 1985, no other player has accomplished the feat more than 12 times.
Los Angeles has now won eight of its last 10 games, with Davis averaging 35.3 points, 15.6 boards, and 2.9 swats during that span. His 99 total points over the past two contests are the most by a Lakers player in consecutive matchups since Kobe Bryant in March 2007, according to Andscape's Marc J. Spears.
"We all kind of have an idea of what he's gone through the last couple of years, battling through all of those injuries. ... He deserves it, man," Ham said. "That kid really, really cares. He's genuine. I love being around him every day, and he's been a huge pleasure to coach.