Anthony Davis: Ranking His Top 10 Unforgettable Plays

Hey guys! Get ready to relive some of the most electrifying and jaw-dropping moments from Anthony Davis's career! We're diving deep into his top 10 plays, showcasing the athleticism, skill, and sheer dominance that make him one of the NBA's biggest stars. Whether you're a die-hard Lakers fan, an AD admirer, or just a basketball enthusiast, this countdown is guaranteed to get you hyped. So, without further ado, let's jump into the action!

1. The Game-Winning Buzzer Beater vs. Nuggets (2020 Playoffs)

Let's kick things off with a play that's forever etched in NBA playoff history – Anthony Davis's game-winning buzzer-beater against the Denver Nuggets in the 2020 Western Conference Finals. Picture this: Game 2, Lakers down by one point with just 2.1 seconds left on the clock. Rajon Rondo inbounds the ball, and AD curls around Nikola Jokic. With a defender draped all over him, AD rises up and fires a fadeaway three-pointer right as the buzzer sounds. Swish! The ball drops through the net, sending the Lakers bench into pandemonium and securing a crucial victory. This play wasn't just about skill; it was about ice-cold nerves and unwavering belief. The degree of difficulty on this shot was insane, and the pressure was immense, but AD delivered when it mattered most. The Nuggets had no answer for Davis and his ability to score in many ways. Furthermore, this shot not only won the game but also shifted the momentum of the series in favor of the Lakers, ultimately paving the way for their championship run. It's the kind of play that defines a player's legacy and solidifies their place among the game's elite. Re-watching this play still gives me goosebumps! It's a testament to AD's clutch gene and his ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are at their highest. This shot alone makes it to the top ten and the number one spot.

2. Monster Block on Damian Lillard (2018)

Next up, we've got a defensive gem that perfectly showcases Anthony Davis's incredible shot-blocking prowess. Back in 2018, when AD was still with the New Orleans Pelicans, he faced off against Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard, known for his explosive drives to the basket, thought he had a clear path to the rim. But AD had other plans. As Lillard elevated for a layup, Davis soared through the air, meeting the ball at its highest point and emphatically rejecting it into the stands. The timing, athleticism, and sheer force of this block were simply spectacular. It wasn't just a block; it was a statement. Davis sent a clear message that he was the guardian of the paint and that no one would score easily on his watch. The crowd erupted, and even Lillard couldn't help but nod in acknowledgement of the incredible play. This block highlights AD's unmatched ability to protect the rim and change the game on the defensive end. His length, agility, and anticipation make him a nightmare matchup for any offensive player. Opponents have to think twice before entering the paint when AD is lurking. This block alone is a highlight-reel worthy moment that deserves its place among his top plays.

3. Poster Dunk Over Rudy Gobert (2021)

Alright, let's crank up the intensity with a thunderous dunk that left Rudy Gobert, one of the NBA's premier defensive centers, on a poster. This happened in 2021 when the Lakers faced off against the Utah Jazz. AD received the ball on the wing, drove hard to the basket, and with a ferocious leap, unleashed a powerful one-handed dunk right over Gobert. The impact of the dunk sent shockwaves through the arena, and the crowd went absolutely wild. Gobert, known for his shot-blocking and rim protection, was left stunned and embarrassed. This wasn't just a dunk; it was a declaration of dominance. Davis asserted his authority in the paint and proved that he could score against anyone, regardless of their defensive reputation. The aggression, power, and athleticism displayed on this play were truly remarkable. It's the kind of dunk that gets replayed over and over again on highlight reels and social media. This dunk served as a reminder of AD's offensive capabilities and his ability to take over a game with his scoring prowess. Gobert simply could not stand in his way. It's a play that embodies AD's competitive spirit and his relentless pursuit of excellence.

4. Steal and Full-Court Dunk (2017)

Now, let's rewind back to 2017, when AD showcased his all-around athleticism with an incredible steal and full-court dunk. Playing for the Pelicans, Davis anticipated a pass, snatched the ball out of the air, and took off down the court with blazing speed. With no one in front of him, he elevated for a monster dunk, capping off the play with authority. This play perfectly demonstrates AD's versatility and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Not only is he a dominant scorer and shot-blocker, but he's also a capable defender and ball-handler. The speed, agility, and coordination required to execute this play are truly impressive. It's not often you see a player of AD's size making a steal and then finishing with a dunk on the other end of the court. This play exemplifies his unique combination of size, skill, and athleticism, making him a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor. Davis is able to move so quickly for his size, which makes him very hard to guard.

5. Game-Saving Block vs. Thunder (2018)

This play shows a crucial moment back in 2018, when AD secured a victory for the Pelicans with a game-saving block against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the game on the line and the Thunder mounting a comeback, Davis rose to the occasion and delivered a clutch block on a potential game-tying shot. The timing, awareness, and execution of this block were simply perfect. It wasn't just a block; it was a statement of leadership and a demonstration of AD's commitment to winning. The crowd erupted as the buzzer sounded, and Davis was mobbed by his teammates. This play highlights AD's ability to perform under pressure and his willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win. His defensive presence in the closing moments of games is invaluable, and this block is a testament to his impact on the defensive end. The Thunder were completely stifled because of Davis and his incredible defensive capabilities. This play alone will show you how important Davis is for any team.

6. Alley-Oop from Rajon Rondo (Multiple Occasions)

It's impossible to pick just one alley-oop from Rajon Rondo to Anthony Davis, because their chemistry on the court was electric. Throughout their time together, whether in New Orleans or Los Angeles, Rondo consistently found AD for spectacular alley-oop dunks that ignited the crowd. Rondo's uncanny passing ability and AD's incredible athleticism created a highlight reel of awe-inspiring plays. These alley-oops weren't just routine plays; they were artistic expressions of basketball excellence. The timing, precision, and athleticism involved were truly remarkable. Rondo would thread the needle with his passes, and AD would soar through the air, finishing with thunderous dunks. These plays exemplified their special connection on the court and their ability to anticipate each other's moves. The amount of times they connected for these plays is amazing. You can watch any game from the two and find a crazy alley-oop between the two. They are definitely one of the best duos in the NBA.

7. Putback Dunk vs. Warriors (2019)

In a game against the Golden State Warriors back in 2019, Anthony Davis demonstrated his relentless hustle and athleticism with a monster putback dunk. A teammate missed a shot, and AD swooped in, elevating above the defenders and slamming the ball through the net with authority. The energy and determination displayed on this play were truly impressive. It wasn't just a dunk; it was a statement of AD's competitiveness and his willingness to fight for every possession. The crowd erupted, and the Warriors were left stunned by the sheer force of the play. This putback dunk highlights AD's ability to impact the game even when he doesn't have the ball in his hands. His rebounding prowess and his relentless pursuit of the ball make him a constant threat on the offensive glass. Warriors had no answers for the athletic Davis.

8. Euro-Step to the Basket (2020)

Let's change things up a bit and showcase Anthony Davis's ball-handling skills with a smooth euro-step to the basket. In a game during the 2020 season, AD received the ball on the perimeter, drove towards the basket, and executed a perfect euro-step, evading the defender and finishing with an easy layup. The agility, coordination, and finesse displayed on this play were truly impressive. It's not often you see a player of AD's size executing such a deft move. This euro-step highlights AD's versatility and his ability to score in a variety of ways. He's not just a dominant post player; he can also put the ball on the floor and create his own shot. This play demonstrates his well-rounded skill set and his ability to adapt to different defensive schemes. This will usually leave the defender in the dust and it is hard to catch up to the fast and agile AD.

9. Fadeaway Jumper Over Multiple Defenders (Various Games)

Similar to the alley-oops, it's hard to pinpoint just one fadeaway jumper, as Anthony Davis has mastered this move and utilized it countless times throughout his career. His ability to create space and rise up over multiple defenders for a smooth fadeaway is a hallmark of his offensive game. The difficulty and precision of this shot are truly remarkable. AD's high release point and his soft touch make it virtually impossible to block. He can hit this shot from anywhere on the court, making him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. This fadeaway jumper exemplifies AD's offensive versatility and his ability to score in any situation. Defenders simply have no answers when Davis goes to his fadeaway. It is the most reliable shot that he has.

10. Clutch Free Throws (Numerous Occasions)

Rounding out our list, we have Anthony Davis's clutch free throws in critical moments of games. While free throws may not be the most glamorous play, they are essential for securing victories, and AD has consistently delivered from the free-throw line when the pressure is on. His calm demeanor and focus in high-pressure situations are truly commendable. He steps up to the line with confidence and knocks down crucial free throws that seal the win for his team. This demonstrates his mental toughness and his ability to perform under pressure. Free throws are a vital part of the game, and AD's reliability from the free-throw line is a valuable asset for any team. AD is one of the most reliable free throw shooters in the game. You can always count on him to make the shots when it matters most.

So there you have it, guys! Anthony Davis's top 10 plays, showcasing his incredible talent, athleticism, and impact on the game. From game-winning shots to monster blocks to thunderous dunks, AD has provided us with countless memorable moments throughout his career. Which play was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! And don't forget to subscribe for more NBA highlights and analysis!