Anthony Davis is returning with a vengeance

Source: Chris Graythen/Getty Images

In three games since returning from a right shoulder strain injury, Anthony Davis has been putting up very impressive numbers for the playoff-pursuing New Orleans Pelicans. After missing five games, Davis came back against the Detroit Pistons and posted a remarkable 39 point/13 rebound/8 block/3 steal performance in an 88-85 victory. This was the first game in his career that Davis put up 30-10 and 8 blocks.

The following game was a losing effort to the improved Boston Celtics; Davis put up 29 points 14 rebounds and three blocks in that one. Last nights game against Marc Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies, the Brow was at it again. Davis put up 23 points with 10 rebounds and five blocks in a big victory against a top-tier Western Conference foe. The Pelicans are now 7-3 in their last ten games.

On the season, Anthony Davis is averaging 24.3 points (fourth in the NBA) on 54% shooting, 10.4 rebounds and an NBA-leading 2.8 blocks per game, along with an NBA-best 31.35 Player Efficiency Rating. No player has posted a 24/10/3 stat-line since Shaquille O’Neal in 2004, when he the unanimous MVP award winner.

Along with the historic stats, Anthony Davis’ team in knocking on the door of the Western Conference Playoffs. The Pelicans trail the Oklahoma City Thunder by only a half-game for the eighth spot in the West, and own the tiebreaker over the Thunder as a result of winning the regular season series 3-1. Catching the Thunder will be no easy task for Monty Williams’ group, especially when Kevin Durant returns from his foot procedures. But if Anthony Davis can stay healthy and both he and the Pelicans can continue their terrific stretch of play, they could very well be playing in the postseason.