‘Best in the world’: AD erupts in 37-year first; Nets’ run snapped by scary powerhouse

Anthony Davis is on his own level right now – perhaps even an MVP level.

The Lakers superstar exploded for 55 points – four short of his career-high – 17 rebounds and three blocks while shooting 22-of-30 from the field and 9-of-9 from the foul line to lead his team past the Washington Wizards 130-119 on Monday (all times AEDT).

According to ESPN Stats and Info, he became the second player in NBA history with 55 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks in a game since blocks were first recorded in 1973-74, joining Kevin McHale, who did so in 1985.

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Mon, 05 Dec

Monday December 5th

Davis dominated for the Lakers (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)Source: AFP

Kyle Kuzma scored 17 of his 26 points in the fourth to lead the Wizards comeback including a three-pointer to cut their deficit to 105-114 with six minutes left, but the home side ultimately didn’t any closer for the rest of the game.

Kuzma added seven rebounds, four assists and two steals and Kristaps Porzingis had 27 points and nine rebounds.

Meanwhile Davis was supported by strong performances from LeBron James (29 points, eight rebounds, six assists) and Lonnie Walker (20 points), while Russell Westbrook posted 15 assists off the bench.

CELTICS END NETS’ WINNING STREAK

The Boston Celtics snapped the Brooklyn Nets’ four-game winning streak with a 103-92 win on the road behind a combined 63 points from Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

Brown (31 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, two blocks) and Tatum (29 points, three triples) 11 boards, four steals) continued their dominant play this season to extend Boston’s NBA-best record to 19-5 as starting centre Robert Williams (knee) nears his return in a scary prospect for the rest of the league.

It marked the Celtics’ eighth-straight overall win over the Nets including last season’s playoff sweep.

Kevin Durant meanwhile posted 31 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks for Brooklyn and Kyrie Irving had 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Ben Simmons missed a third-straight game with a calf issue.

The Celtics got the early jump on the Nets to lead 35-27 at the end of the first term. Brooklyn mounted a comeback during the second term to get to within one halfway through the period, but Boston extended its lead back out to 62-50 by half-time.