During the 2022-23 NBA regular season, Anthony Davis anchored the Los Angeles Lakers through high-stakes divisional matchups against the Phoenix Suns. Across three games, Davis averaged 26.0 points, 17.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, showcasing his dominance in the paint against a formidable Western Conference rival.
Analyzing these specific performances reveals how Davis exploited defensive coverages, managed foul trouble, and dictated the rhythm of the game on both ends of the floor. This breakdown examines the statistical footprint, tactical challenges, and defining moments of those 2023 encounters.
Statistical Overview of the 2023 Series
The regular season series between the Lakers and Suns in early 2023 carried immense seeding implications. Davis played in three of their matchups, posting numbers that reflected his elite dual-threat capability.
- Points Per Game: 26.0
- Rebounds Per Game: 17.0 (2.7 offensive, 14.3 defensive)
- Assists Per Game: 3.7
- Blocks Per Game: 2.7
- Shooting Efficiency: 53.2% field goals, 84.8% free throws (63.4% True Shooting)
These figures underline his capacity to control the glass against traditional centers while drawing heavy contact in the restricted area.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
November 22, 2022: The Masterclass in Phoenix
In the first meeting of the 2022-23 campaign matching these squads, Davis delivered a signature performance on the road at the Footprint Center.
- Stat Line: 37 points, 21 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals, and 5 blocks in 38 minutes.
- Tactical Impact: Davis shot 11-of-17 from the floor and converted 15-of-16 free throws. He completely neutralized Phoenix's interior defense by rolling hard out of pick-and-rolls and exploiting switches. His defensive activity—featuring five steals and five blocks—disrupted pick-and-roll ball handlers and forced multiple shot-clock violations.
March 22, 2023: Controlling the Pace in Los Angeles
By late March, the Lakers were fighting for every win to escape the play-in tournament picture, and Davis responded with an efficient scoring night.
- Stat Line: 27 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal in 38 minutes.
- Tactical Impact: Davis shot 10-of-18 from the field. Instead of forcing deep post-ups against collapsing double teams, he utilized quick mid-range jumpers and facilitated from the high post, accumulating five assists to punish the Suns for sending extra help.
April 7, 2023: The Glass Dominance
Late-season fatigue often hampers big men, but Davis focused heavily on rebounding and rim protection during this crucial April showdown.
- Stat Line: 14 points, 21 rebounds (4 offensive), 4 assists, and 3 blocks in 34 minutes.
- Tactical Impact: Though his shot wasn't falling consistently (4-of-12 from the field), Davis impacted the game by securing 17 defensive rebounds to limit Phoenix to one shot per possession. His defensive positioning erased driving lanes for perimeter scorers.
Tactical Matchups: How Davis Solved the Suns' Defense
Facing a defensive setup that often featured Deandre Ayton alongside versatile wings required specific adjustments from the Lakers coaching staff.
Exploiting the Pick-and-Roll
Phoenix frequently relied on drop coverage to protect the paint against driving guards like LeBron James. Davis countered this by setting high, decisive screens. By slipping screens or rolling sharply before the defense could recover, he forced Ayton into a difficult choice: step up to stop the ball or stay back and concede an open lob or floater.
Controlling the Defensive Glass
The Suns utilized perimeter shooters to stretch the floor, which often pulled standard frontcourt defenders away from the basket. Davis relied on his exceptional anticipation and wingspan to track long rebounds, averaging 14.3 defensive boards across these contests. This allowed the Lakers to immediately transition into fast breaks, neutralizing the set defense of Phoenix.
Common Strategic Pitfalls in Guarding Elite Bigs
Teams attempting to slow down a player of Davis's caliber often fall into predictable traps. Analyzing how the Suns attempted to manage him highlights key lessons in modern defensive strategy.
- Overhelping on the First Move: Sending immediate double-teams before Davis established a deep post-catch allowed him to find open shooters in the corners. The most effective possessions occurred when defenders played him straight up with single coverage.
- Foul Accumulation: Aggressive closeouts on mid-range attempts often sent Davis to the free-throw line, where he capitalized efficiently (84.8% for the series). Defenders learned that contesting without verticality resulted in easy whistles.
- Failing to Box Out: Perimeter defenders sagging off shooters forgot to put a body on Davis when shots went up, leading to costly second-chance points via his offensive rebounding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Anthony Davis's average stats against the Suns in the 2022-23 season?
Davis averaged 26.0 points, 17.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across the three regular-season games he played against Phoenix.
How efficient was Anthony Davis shooting against Phoenix in 2023?
He shot 53.2% from the field and 84.8% from the free-throw line, resulting in an elite 63.4% true shooting percentage.
Did Anthony Davis play the Suns in the 2023 NBA Playoffs?
No. While both teams reached the 2023 postseason, the Lakers faced the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors, while the Suns faced the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference bracket.
What was Anthony Davis's highest-scoring game against the Suns in 2023?
His top performance came on November 22, 2022, when he erupted for 37 points, 21 rebounds, and 5 blocks.
