Hornets Declaw Bobcats 107-99 Behind Davis’ Big Night

New Orleans Hornets rookie sensation Anthony Davis returned from a concussion to have a big game on Friday against the Charlotte Bobcats. The number one overall pick registered 23 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks to lead his team to a 107-99 victory. According to Elias Sports Bureau, Davis is the first player to ever record at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots in a game prior to turning 20 years old.

The 19 year old got into a shoving match with Bobcats big man Bryon Mullens late in the first half. Davis did not care for Mullen's physical play and pushed back. Anthony was assessed a technical foul, but from that point on was extremely aggressive. Perhaps Hornets coach Monty Williams will encourage Davis to get into more shoving matches, because he was simply sensational for the rest of the game.

Fellow Hornets rookie Darius Miller played with Davis at Kentucky last season. Knowing Anthony better than anyone on the roster, he attested to how well Davis plays when he has an edge.

"He plays a lot more aggressive, and with a lot more intensity when he gets angry. So he got kind of mad, a little heated over the situation, and he pretty much dominated the game from then on out," explained Miller. "So I've seen him do it before at Kentucky -- many times."

Speaking of Miller, he showed off his range with a couple of deep 3s from the perimeter. He was part of a New Orleans' bench that finished with 56 points.

Ryan Anderson came off the bench to lead his team in scoring. Much to the delight of the home crowd, Anderson reminded the NBA world how he led the league in 3 pointers a season ago. The 24-year old free agent acquisition finished with a team-high 25 points, going 5-10 from beyond the arc. He also pulled down 7 boards.

Hornets coach Monty Williams was happy with his team's effort. Two days after setting a dubious team record in a lopsided defeat, New Orleans showed the hustle, defense, and urgency coach Williams was hoping for.

"We certainly didn't turn the ball over and that's something we talk about every day, taking care of the ball and making sure we get a good shot up. We beat a tough team," explained Williams in postgame. "That team plays hard and they're hungry like we are."

New Orleans turned it over 24 times in Wednesday night's loss. They only tallied 9 in Friday's victory.

If anyone thought Davis would be upset about his shoving match with Mullens, think again. The young star shrugged it off after the game with his "cool as a cucumber" personality Hornet fans love.

"We were just playing basketball. It was a tough," Davis noted. "This is what we love to do. No beef or nothing."

After missing two and a half games with a concussion, Davis was itching to get back on the floor. He made need more ointment, because the Hornets have a long break before their next ballgame.

The two youngest teams in the NBA will battle in a Southwest Divisional matchup this Wednesday when the Houston Rockets host the Hornets. Tip-off from the Toyota Center is set for 7:00.