Pelicans lose Anthony Davis to ankle injury, hold on for 10th straight win
New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis did not return after turning his left ankle late in the third quarter Wednesday night win a 114-101 win over the Sacramento Kings. X-rays on the ankle were negative.
The big man turned his left ankle severely on Kosta Koufos’ foot after securing a rebound. Injury-wise, it’s been a rough stretch for Davis. He took a shot to the ribs Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers but returned and finished with 41 points in a win. Roughly three weeks ago, he battled through a groin injury to post 42 points in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Anthony Davis has left the game after turning his ankle. pic.twitter.com/JQqhNiIQNA
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) March 8, 2018
Still, Davis and his team will be encouraged by the ability to close out a pesky Kings squad. Nikola Mirotic continued his outstanding play, scoring 26 points on 10-of-12 shooting and adding 10 rebounds for his first double-double since Feb. 12. Jrue Holiday chipped in 23 points and eight assists for the Pelicans, who shot 56.6 percent from the field and knocked down 11 three-pointers. Buddy Hield led the way for the Kings offensively, scoring 20 points off the bench in the loss.
Davis has been outstanding for the Pelicans ever since superstar teammate DeMarcus Cousins tore his Achilles. In February, Davis averaged 35 points, 13 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.2 blocks, ranking first, third, first and second in the NBA, respectively, to win Western Conference Player of the Month. He has been the main reason the Pelicans reeled off an 8-3 record in February and came into Wednesday’s tilt with the Kings on a nine-game winning streak — a streak they extended to 10 by finishing off Sacramento even without Davis returning. The Pelicans are currently fourth in the Western Conference.
The X-rays returning as negative is a good first sign for the Pelicans, and Davis has proved time and time again that he’s willing and able to battle through injury. The win over the Kings wrapped up a four-game trip for the Pelicans, who return to their home court Friday to host the Washington Wizards.
