Anthony Davis Returns With 39 Points and 13 Rebounds (VIDEO)

The New Orleans Pelicans welcomed back Anthony Davis from a five-game absence Wednesday night, and the All-Star played like, well, AD: 39 points, 13 rebounds and 8 blocks in the Pelicans’ 88-85 win against the visiting Detroit Pistons.

Davis had been sidelined with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder.

The big fella added three steals and two assists in his 41 minutes.

Per the Times-Picayune:

Also, in just his third season, Davis also surpassed former New Orleans forward David West for the franchise record for career blocks with 437 on Wednesday night. […] “I just try to play for my team and do whatever it takes to win,” Davis said. “I play with passion and it’s just a blessing.”

 

It was not determined until 90 minutes before the game that Davis would play. Davis took part in the Pelicans’ shootaround Wednesday morning at the Smoothie King Center, but he only took shots because no contact work was involved by the team. […] Afterwards, Davis said his shoulder felt good and Pelicans coach Monty Williams confirmed that he passed all the necessary tests regarding his shoulder.

 

“Yes, he has been chomping at the bit to get back on the floor,” Williams said. “We are always careful with him, but he’s growing up right in front of us. He has learned how to play through a lot of injuries.” […] ”I’m just happy to be back on the floor,” Davis said. “I told coach, ‘Don’t take me out of the game.’ I had so much energy tonight. I loved being back on the floor with my teammates. It was a tough game with Detroit. They’re a great team battling for the eighth spot (Eastern Conference) as well. So we knew it was going to be physical game and we all stepped up.”