MY ACCOUNT
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel lauded Anthony Davis for imposing “his will” as the stuttering NBA franchise returned to winning ways.
After their humbling at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, Davis led the Lakers to a 114-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.
Davis posted 27 of his game-high 34 points in the opening half, while collecting 15 rebounds and tallying six assists for the championship-chasing Lakers, who continue to be without superstar LeBron James.
Only once previously have the Lakers won the title after making a 7-6 start, improving to 57-25 in 2007-08 to take the top seed in the Western Conference.
Their early struggles prompted Davis to issue a warning regarding their “embarrassing” form following the 107-83 home loss to the Timberwolves.
Vogel hailed 2020 NBA champion Davis after helping the Lakers (8-6) outlast the Spurs (4-9).
“Anthony really imposes his will on this game,” Vogel told reporters post-game in Los Angeles.
“I think he, probably more than anyone, was unhappy with how last game unfolded and he was intent to impose his will.”
Davis added: “We’re starting to get our guys back and we want to make a run. We want to go on a nice little winning streak and be the team that we know that we can be.
“But it starts with our defence. I feel like we had moments where we were like the old Lakers where we mess up and break down our coverages. But for the most part we looked really good.”
Russell Westbrook added 14 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists for the Lakers, while Talen Horton-Tucker contributed 17 points in his season debut.
“To come out in his first game and do what he did was unreal,” Davis said of Horton-Tucker. “I’m impressed.
“His first game and to come in and do what he did to help us win was huge and a sign of his hard work. A lot of guys usually come back and are kind of rusty, but he came in like he had been playing with us this whole time.”
