Relief for the Lakers: Anthony Davis ok for Game 6
The Lakers center had to retire from Game 5 after clashing heads with Kevon Looney. The Brow will be in the decisive match.
Some good news for the Lakers. Anthony Davis will be able to play Game 6 in Los Angeles, as reported by Chris Haynes, journalist working for TNT and Bleacher Report. The Los Angeles team’s center was a major doubt for the match after withdrawing from Game 5 in San Francisco after clashing heads with Golden State’s Kevon Looney.
The concern was that Davis, who has been a beacon for the gold and purple team throughout these playoffs with great performances against Memphis in the first round and Kerr’s men in the conference semi-finals, would lost the sixth game due to the mandatory protocol for concussion imposed by the NBA, which states:
“If a player is suspected of having a concussion, or exhibits the signs or symptoms of concussion, he will be removed from participation by either a team physician or the player’s team athletic trainer and undergo evaluation in a quiet, distraction-free environment conducive to conducting a neurological evaluation.
“If a player is diagnosed with concussion, he will not return to participation: 1) on that same day or the next calendar day; and 2) before completing the required return-to-participation process”.
Banged heads
The 30-year-old center appeared dizzy as he quit the court with 7:43 remaining, and headed straight to the locker room. He later appeared in a wheelchair as he was unable to walk due to dizziness. If he had entered into the protocol, it would be likely that he would miss the sixth game and a hypothetical seventh. His presence is essential near the hoop as it forces Kerr to change the system.
The Warriors coach, starting in the second game, left Looney on the bench, who had given him good results in the series against the Kings. Instead he brought in JaMychal Green to bring more versatility. He put in a performance to remember in the first meeting. The Chicago-born player went up to 30 points, 23 rebounds and 4 blocks. The Lakers, who rushed to play-in, are just one win away from qualifying for the conference finals, and the good news is that Davis will be available for Darvin Ham. Game 6 takes place on Saturday at the Crypto.com Arena.