How Anthony Davis Performed in the 2018 Playoffs: A Stat Breakdown
When the New Orleans Pelicans entered the 2018 postseason, all eyes were on their superstar big man. Anthony Davis, already a perennial All‑Star, suddenly became the focal point of every series, and his numbers painted a picture that goes beyond the box score. Below, we dig into the key metrics that defined Davis’s playoff run, compare them to his regular‑season output, and explore what they meant for the Pelicans’ short‑lived march toward a championship.
Overall Numbers at a Glance
- Games Played: 6
- Minutes per Game: 34.8
- Points per Game: 24.7
- Rebounds per Game: 10.6
- Assists per Game: 3.0
- Blocks per Game: 2.8
- Field Goal %: 49.9%
- Three‑Point %: 28.6%
- Free Throw %: 71.4%
Those averages show a player who shouldered a massive load. He logged nearly 35 minutes each night, scoring almost 25 points while also protecting the rim and pulling down double‑digit rebounds.
Scoring: The Good, the Bad, and the Context
Scoring 24.7 points per game placed Davis as the Pelicans’ top offensive weapon, but the way those points came mattered. His field‑goal efficiency hovered just under 50%, a respectable figure for a big man who frequently operates near the basket. However, his three‑point shooting slipped to 28.6%, a noticeable dip from the 33.4% he posted during the regular season.
Why the drop? The sample size is tiny—only eight attempts—but the timing of those misses is telling. Several shots fell in high‑pressure moments when the Pelicans needed a quick boost, and the defense often sagged off, daring Davis to stretch the floor. The result: a modest three‑point percentage that hinted at a possible ceiling rather than a ceiling‑breaker.
Free Throws: A Subtle Weak Spot
At 71.4% from the line, Davis’s free‑throw shooting hovered just above the “average” mark for interior players. In the playoffs, every point counts, and a few missed charity shots can swing a game. Compare that to his regular‑season 76.8%—the drop wasn’t dramatic, yet it underscores a lingering area for improvement.
Rebounding: Dominance on the Boards
Davis’s 10.6 rebounds per game outpaced his regular‑season 9.4 average, suggesting he rose to the occasion when physicality intensified. He pulled down a mix of offensive and defensive boards, often sparking fast‑break opportunities. Notably, his offensive rebound rate jumped to 11.2%, indicating a willingness to fight for extra possessions even when the game was on the line.
Defensive Impact: More Than Just Blocks
Watching the numbers alone doesn’t capture the aura Davis brings on defense. He averaged 2.8 blocks per game—a career‑high for a postseason stretch—and his rim protection forced opponents into a hesitant, half‑court style. Beyond the obvious shot‑blocking, his defensive rating settled at 101.3, a respectable figure given the caliber of teams faced.
Moreover, Davis’s help‑defense prowess often went unrecorded. He would rotate to cover perimeter shooters, knock the ball away, or simply be the intimidating presence that made opponents think twice before driving into the paint.
Playmaking: The Unexpected Facilitator
Three assists per game may sound modest, but for a player whose primary role is inside scoring and defense, it signals an expanding skill set. Davis showed he could find open shooters when the defense overcommitted, and his passing accuracy—78% overall—helped keep the Pelicans’ offense fluid.
Comparing Playoff to Regular Season
| Metric | Regular Season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|
| PPG | 22.7 | 24.7 |
| RPG | 9.4 | 10.6 |
| FG% | 52.1% | 49.9% |
| 3P% | 33.4% | 28.6% |
| FT% | 76.8% | 71.4% |
| Blocks | 2.2 | 2.8 |
The table reveals a clear pattern: Davis elevated his scoring, rebounding, and shot‑blocking while his shooting efficiency slipped slightly. That trade‑off is typical for players thrust into a heavier load during high‑stakes games.
Key Takeaways for the Pelicans’ Future
- Leadership on the Floor: Davis proved he could command the game’s tempo, a trait the Pelicans will lean on for years.
- Mid‑Range and Perimeter Growth: Improving three‑point consistency could stretch defenses and open driving lanes for teammates.
- Free‑Throw Focus: A modest bump in free‑throw accuracy would translate to extra points in tight contests.
- Defensive Anchoring: His block numbers and overall defensive presence suggest he can be the cornerstone of a championship‑caliber defense.
In the end, Anthony Davis’s 2018 playoff résumé is a mixed bag of standout dominance and a few glaring holes. The numbers show a player who rose to the occasion, shouldered more responsibility, and left a lasting impression on both opponents and fans. Whether the Pelicans can build on those strengths—and address the weak spots—will shape the narrative of Davis’s legacy for seasons to come.
