When going to the line for multiple free throws, NBA players typically shoot better on each successive attempt.
Anthony Davis bucked that trend at the worst possible time.
With the Pelicans down three and 2.5 seconds left, Davis drew a foul on a 3-pointer. He sunk the first two free throws then missed the third, allowing the 76ers to escape with a 121-120 win.
Davis deserves credit for getting New Orleans so close. Before Davis drew the foul, Jrue Holiday missed a wayward quick-two attempt. Davis stole Ben Simmons’ attempt to keep the ball in bounds and got up the 3-pointer the Pelicans should have been attempting all along.
After swishing the first two free throws what went wrong for Davis? Maybe it was the curse of Jahlil Okafor. The former 76er subbed in for New Orleans before the third free throw, working the loud Philadelphia crowd into even more of a frenzy.
I’m not sure Davis’ final steal should count, as Simmons might not have had possession. But if it holds up, Davis will have a rare 5x5 – at least five points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.
For now, it’s the first 5x5 since Draymond Green’s in 2015 and first 5x5 in a loss since Andrei Kirilenko’s in 2003.
Here’s every 5x5 since 1983-84 (as far back as Basketball-Reference records go):
