Jeremy Lin and Ed Davis, the Pick and Roll Connection

When people think Jeremy Lin, the word “Linsanity” comes to mind.  One key to his success was his chemistry on the floor with Tyson Chandler.  Chandler gave Lin solid screens, rolled well to the empty spots, and finished with authority.

It looks like Jeremy Lin found his Tyson Chandler again, this time in Ed Davis.

Tonight, Jeremy Lin struggled with his shooting from the field.  He attacked the basket repeatedly, only to be met with bigmen in the paint waiting to swat the ball.  When Ed Davis joined the lineup alongside Jeremy Lin, things changed. Although Jeremy Lin finished with an 0-6 shooting night, he also lead the Lakers in assists with 10, on just 1 turnover.  There seemed to be a Steve Nash flashback of last season, where Nash struggled from the field, but was able to rack up his assists.

Thanks to CaCHooKaManTV for the coverage.

Ed Davis was the primary target of those assists.  He finished with 6 of 7 shooting from the field; 12 points and 4 blocks.  While he grabbed just one rebound for the game, the Lakers did manage to outrebound the Denver Nuggets 45-43. Davis may not be the explosive finisher that Tyson Chandler is, but he is the more creative one.  Not only did he get points from point-blank range, he showed dexterity on the floor as well. On one particular pick-and-roll sequence, Davis received the basketball from the high-post, took one-dribble, and was able to finish with a soft shot with his off-hand.

Jeremy Lin and Ed Davis have a certain chemistry on the floor.  Both players excel with pick-and-roll play.  It is surprising to see how well-developed that chemistry is, considering both players are recent acquisitions for the Lakers.  Really, 10 assists for Jeremy Lin?  Ed Davis shooting 6 of 7 from the field?  I don’t think anyone saw that coming.

Not bad for their debut as teammates.  Hopefully they get more time together on the floor for the regular season.

What do you guys think?  Should Jeremy Lin and Ed Davis get more time on the floor at the expense of Steve Nash and Jordan Hill?

Please leave comments below.