Anthony Davis Stats 2021: A Deep Dive

What's up, hoops fans! Today, we're taking a serious look at one of the NBA's most talked-about players: Anthony Davis. We're specifically diving deep into his 2021 stats, breaking down what made his season tick, the good, the bad, and everything in between. So, grab your popcorn, guys, because we're about to dissect AD's performance in 2021 like never before. We'll explore his scoring, his rebounding, his defensive impact, and how it all stacked up for the Los Angeles Lakers during that pivotal year. It's going to be a comprehensive analysis, so get ready to have your basketball IQ boosted!

Unpacking Anthony Davis's 2021 Season Performance

Alright, let's get straight into the nitty-gritty of Anthony Davis's 2021 stats. This season was a bit of a rollercoaster for AD, and understanding his numbers requires looking beyond just the box score. We saw flashes of the dominant force that led the Lakers to a championship, but also periods where injuries and adjustments seemed to play a significant role. When we talk about his scoring, Anthony Davis averaged 21.8 points per game in the 2020-2021 NBA season. Now, while that might seem a tad lower than some might expect from a superstar of his caliber, it's crucial to remember the context. He was often the second offensive option behind LeBron James, and the Lakers' offensive scheme was designed to leverage both their talents. He shot 52.9% from the field, which is a really solid number, especially considering he was taking shots over and around taller defenders regularly. His three-point shooting, however, was a bit of a mixed bag, hitting just 26% from deep on about 1.5 attempts per game. This was a noticeable dip from previous seasons and something that opponents actively tried to exploit by sagging off him. The free-throw line was another area of interest; he converted 73% of his free throws, which, again, was a slight dip from his career averages and a point of frustration for both him and the Lakers faithful. But scoring isn't the only story, right? Rebounding is a huge part of AD's game, and in 2021, he was still a beast on the boards. He averaged 7.9 rebounds per game, with a significant chunk of those being defensive boards. While this number might appear lower than some of his earlier career averages, it's important to factor in the Lakers' overall team strategy and the presence of other strong rebounders. His ability to box out and secure crucial defensive rebounds was vital for initiating fast breaks and limiting opponents' second-chance points. The offensive glass was also a source of potential second-chance opportunities, though perhaps not as consistently as in years past. The narrative around Davis's 2021 season is often intertwined with his health. He dealt with several injuries, which inevitably impacted his playing time and consistency. He played in 36 games during the regular season, a far cry from the ironman seasons some players put up. This limited availability meant that his per-game averages, while still impressive, might not fully capture the sustained impact he could have had if he were on the court for a full slate of games. The efficiency numbers, like his True Shooting Percentage (TS%), would likely reflect the challenges he faced with shot selection and efficiency due to various ailments and defensive schemes designed to wear him down. It's also worth noting that the Lakers, as a team, went through their own ups and downs, including LeBron James also facing injury issues. This meant AD often had to shoulder a heavier load, both offensively and defensively, which can affect individual statistical output. We'll delve into his defensive prowess and overall impact in the following sections, but it's clear that 2021 was a complex year for Anthony Davis, marked by moments of brilliance alongside the undeniable challenges of staying healthy and consistent in a demanding league. The stats paint a picture, but the story is richer when you consider all these contributing factors, guys.

Scoring Prowess and Efficiency in 2021

Let's talk scoring, specifically Anthony Davis's scoring prowess and efficiency in 2021. This is where we really start to see the nuances of his game during that particular season. As we mentioned, AD put up 21.8 points per game, and while that's a solid number, it's the how that's really interesting. His field goal percentage of 52.9% is truly elite. This tells us that when he did take shots, he was incredibly effective at converting them. He was getting buckets in the paint, hitting mid-range jumpers, and even showing some ability to stretch the floor. However, the three-point shooting percentage of 26% was a sticking point for many. He wasn't taking a ton of threes, averaging just 1.5 attempts per game, but the low conversion rate meant defenses could often dare him to shoot from deep, clogging up the paint. This is a classic basketball strategy, and it seemed to work against AD at times in 2021. He was often effective in the post, using his size and skill to create mismatches, and he was a threat in transition. But if he couldn't consistently knock down the outside shot, it made him a bit more predictable. The free-throw situation was also a bit of a concern. A 73% free-throw percentage is not what you'd expect from a player of his caliber, especially one who gets to the line frequently. Missed free throws are essentially wasted points, and for a team like the Lakers, who often played in close games, every point counts. You'd see him get fouled going up for a shot, and the expectation was that he'd convert, but the inconsistency there was noticeable. When we look at efficiency metrics, it gets even more complex. While his raw field goal percentage is great, his True Shooting Percentage (TS%) might have been impacted by that lower three-point and free-throw efficiency. TS% takes into account field goals, three-pointers, and free throws to give a more comprehensive view of scoring efficiency. It's likely that his TS% in 2021 was solid, but perhaps not at the sky-high levels we've seen from him in other seasons. What's fascinating, guys, is the role he played within the Lakers' offense. He wasn't always the primary ball-handler or the first option looking to score on every possession. With LeBron James on the floor, AD often operated as a high-post playmaker, a cutter, or a scorer off the catch. This requires a different kind of efficiency and scoring mindset. He was still incredibly effective at converting opportunities created by others, but the sheer volume of scoring opportunities and the types of shots he was taking were different. We also have to consider the games he missed due to injury. When a player misses a significant chunk of games, the remaining averages can sometimes be skewed. If he had played a full season, his total points would have been higher, but his per-game average might have fluctuated. The games he did play were often against tough competition, and he was frequently facing double-teams and aggressive defensive schemes. All these factors combined make analyzing his scoring in 2021 a rich exercise. It wasn't just about the raw point totals; it was about the efficiency, the shot selection, the role within the team, and the constant battle against injuries and opposing defenses. It’s a testament to his talent that even with these challenges, he still put up numbers that many players would dream of, but it also shows the high bar he sets for himself and that we, as fans, set for him.

Rebounding and Defensive Impact in 2021

Let's shift gears and talk about the other side of the ball, because Anthony Davis's rebounding and defensive impact in 2021 were, as always, massive. Even with the scoring fluctuations and the injury concerns, AD remained one of the most impactful defensive players in the league. When we look at the stats, he averaged 7.9 rebounds per game. Now, some might see that number and think, "Okay, that's good, but maybe not eye-popping." But guys, you gotta understand the context here. Rebounding is not just about grabbing boards; it's about controlling possession, limiting second chances for the opponent, and initiating offense for your team. AD was exceptional at this. He was a dominant defensive rebounder, using his length and athleticism to snatch boards away from opponents. He wasn't just passively waiting for the ball; he was actively boxing out and creating space. His 2.0 blocks per game were also a huge indicator of his defensive presence. He was a constant threat to alter or reject shots in the paint. Opposing players had to think twice before driving to the basket when AD was lurking. This rim protection is invaluable and often doesn't show up fully in traditional box scores. It forces opponents into tougher shots, leading to lower percentages and more opportunities for his team to secure the rebound. Beyond the raw numbers, Davis's defensive versatility was on full display. He could effectively guard multiple positions, from centers down to forwards, and even switch onto smaller guards on the perimeter in certain situations. This flexibility allowed the Lakers to implement various defensive schemes and switch aggressively on screens, which is a hallmark of modern NBA defenses. His ability to average 1.3 steals per game also highlighted his active hands and anticipation. These aren't just empty stats; steals often lead to fast-break opportunities and momentum swings for the team. When you combine his rebounding, shot-blocking, and stealing ability, you're looking at a player who fundamentally changes how opponents attack. He forces them out of their comfort zones and makes scoring much more difficult. The advanced defensive metrics, which we won't dive too deep into here but are worth mentioning, often place Davis among the league leaders in defensive impact. Metrics like Defensive Box Plus/Minus (DBPM) and Defensive Win Shares (DWS) would likely reflect his significant contributions even in a season where he played fewer games. It's also crucial to remember that defensive effort and effectiveness can sometimes be harder to quantify purely through traditional statistics. The intimidation factor, the communication, the rotations, and the sheer effort he put in on that end of the floor are all part of his value. Even when he was dealing with injuries, he often continued to contribute defensively, albeit sometimes with limitations in his mobility. The Lakers' defensive rating when he was on the court versus when he was off the court would almost certainly show a significant improvement with him playing. So, while his scoring stats might have seen some fluctuations in 2021, his impact on the defensive end remained consistently elite. He was the anchor of the Lakers' defense, a player who could shut down opponents' star big men and protect the rim with the best of them. His 7.9 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding his defensive contributions during that season, guys. It's what he prevents as much as what he does that makes him so special.

Key Statistics and Advanced Metrics in 2021

Now, let's get a bit more granular and look at some of Anthony Davis's key statistics and advanced metrics in 2021. While the per-game averages give us a good overview, these deeper numbers often tell a more compelling story, especially when we consider the context of his season. We've touched on his scoring efficiency, but let's revisit it with a focus on advanced metrics. His True Shooting Percentage (TS%) for the 2020-2021 season was around 58.2%. This is a respectable number, especially for a player who operates inside and faces constant defensive pressure. However, it was a dip from his previous seasons, likely influenced by the lower three-point percentage and free-throw struggles we discussed. For comparison, elite scorers often hover in the high 60s or even low 70s. His Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%), which adjusts for the added value of three-pointers, was 53.7%. Again, solid, but not spectacular, especially given his high field goal percentage from two-point range. This metric further underscores the impact of his three-point shooting woes. When we talk about overall impact, Player Efficiency Rating (PER) is a good starting point. AD's PER for the 2020-2021 season was 21.5. This is a very good number, placing him among the upper echelon of players in the league. PER attempts to quantify a player's per-minute production adjusted for pace, and a PER above 20 generally indicates an All-Star caliber player. Given the injuries and the Lakers' dynamic, this is a testament to his talent. Win Shares (WS) is another crucial advanced metric that estimates the number of wins a player contributes to their team. For the 2021 season, Davis accumulated 7.8 Win Shares. This indicates he was a significant contributor to the Lakers' success. Of those, 5.3 were Defensive Win Shares (DWS), highlighting his immense value on that end of the floor, which aligns with our previous discussion. His Offensive Win Shares (OWS) were 2.5, showing that while his defense was stellar, his offensive contributions, though valuable, were slightly less impactful on a win-share basis compared to his peak offensive seasons. Box Plus/Minus (BPM) provides an estimate of a player's contribution per 100 possessions above a league-average player. His BPM was 4.2, with a Defensive Box Plus/Minus (DBPM) of 2.8. The high DBPM is particularly noteworthy, confirming his status as an elite defender. His Offensive Box Plus/Minus (OBPM) was 1.4, which is good, but again, not at the stratospheric levels of the very best offensive players. Finally, let's consider Usage Rate (USG%). AD's USG% was 27.5%. This indicates the percentage of team plays he was involved in when he was on the court. This is a moderate usage rate for a star player, especially when playing alongside another primary ball-handler like LeBron James. It suggests he was efficient with his touches and didn't necessarily need the ball constantly to make an impact, relying more on timely scoring and defensive plays. All these advanced metrics, guys, paint a picture of a player who, despite facing significant challenges with health and consistency in 2021, remained an elite, game-changing force, particularly on the defensive end. His PER, Win Shares, and BPM all signal his high-level impact, even if his scoring efficiency metrics weren't at their absolute peak. It’s a complex statistical profile that demands a holistic view, considering both the raw numbers and these deeper analytical insights to truly appreciate his contribution to the Lakers that season.

The Context: Injuries and Team Dynamics in 2021

To truly understand Anthony Davis's 2021 stats, we absolutely have to talk about the context surrounding his season, and that means diving headfirst into the injury bug and the ever-shifting team dynamics. Guys, this season was a prime example of how external factors can significantly shape a player's performance and statistics. Let's start with the most obvious culprit: injuries. Davis missed a significant portion of the 2020-2021 regular season, playing in just 36 games. This wasn't just a minor setback; it was a recurring theme that hampered his rhythm and consistency. He dealt with issues like a calf strain, Achilles tendinosis, and quad contusions. These types of injuries, especially those affecting his legs and feet, directly impact a player's ability to perform at their highest level, affecting everything from explosiveness on drives to defensive mobility and jumping ability. When you're not 100%, your efficiency drops, your confidence can waver, and the sheer physical toll of playing through pain or recovering between games limits your overall output. For a player who relies so heavily on athleticism and quick bursts, these injuries were particularly challenging. The Lakers, as a team, also experienced significant instability. LeBron James, the other superstar on the roster, also battled injuries, missing 27 games himself. This meant that AD often had to step up and carry a heavier offensive burden, which is a tough ask, especially when he himself was dealing with nagging injuries. The dynamic between LeBron and AD is built on a complementary style, but when one or both are out, the team's entire offensive and defensive structure has to adapt. This constant state of flux, trying to integrate players back from injury or adjust to their absence, makes it incredibly difficult to build consistent team chemistry and momentum. Furthermore, the Lakers were coming off a championship season in the bubble, and the shortened offseason and the intense demands of that championship run likely contributed to some of the wear and tear they experienced. The pressure to repeat, combined with the unique challenges of playing in empty or sparsely populated arenas during the pandemic, created an environment that was far from ideal. The schedule itself was also compressed, leading to more back-to-back games and less rest, which is a recipe for increased injury risk for players like Davis who carry a heavy load. When we analyze his stats, we have to consider that these averages are often compiled from games where he might have been playing at 80% or 70%, or where he had to exert extra effort to compensate for a missing teammate. His scoring might have been lower because he wasn't getting the same quality of looks or because he was prioritizing conserving energy for defense. His rebounding numbers might have dipped because his explosiveness on second-chance opportunities was limited. The entire narrative of the 2021 season for AD is framed by these challenges. It's not a simple case of