Anthony Davis' 40 Points, 21 Rebounds Lift Pelicans In OT

Anthony Davis continues to show the world why he's a bonafide NBA superstar. Sunday night, he dropped a career-high 40 points and pulled down a career-high 21 rebounds, lifting the New Orleans Pelicans (27-39) to a 121-120 overtime win over the Boston Celtics.

“We’re trying to finish this season out trying to get more wins," said Davis. "My teammates tell me that they feed off my energy and they want me to be great."

At only 21 years and 5 days old, Davis seems to be playing better than great. He is now the first player in franchise history to have 40 point 20+ rebound game. He added 3 blocks for good measure. Two days prior, Davis set a career-high in scoring (36), only to surpass it today. At this rate, he may drop 50 Wednesday night versus Toronto. In his last 6 contests, Davis is averaging 32 points and 14 rebounds a game.

According to Elias Sports Bureau, Davis is the 3rd youngest player in league history to register a 40 and 20 game (John Drew, Shaquille O'Neal), and is only the 8th player to ever post a 40 point, 20 rebound, and 3 block game.

“I think he can do this 10 to 15 times a year just because he is so gifted and does things for the right reason," Pelicans head coach Monty Williams said of Davis. "Obviously he has great athletic ability, but some of that stuff is just him. We try to put him in a position where he can be a dominant player"

Tyreke Evans started for New Orleans, making the most of his 38 minutes by scoring 26 points, including 9 in the first quarter and 5 in overtime. Eric Gordon added 19 for the Pels.

Davis' superb play, coupled with New Orleans impressive offense, made up for a lackluster defensive performance. The Pelicans allowed 64 first-half points to a Celtics team that ranked 3rd to last in the league in scoring.

Davis will look to continue his dominant play Wednesday when the Pelicans host the Toronto Raptors (37-28). Tip-off is set for 7:00.