Davis gets 4 IVs, misses 29 minutes ... and still dominates

Anthony Davis is supposed to be the most dominant big man in the NBA. Turns out he could also be a pitching coach’s dream: A dominant starter and closer.

On Sunday night, with his body battling illness and his struggling team battling to hold off the Nuggets, Davis played both roles, and turned in a hell of a stat line in the process.

David received two IVs before the game in Denver, scored a whopping 19 points in the first quarter — the most he has ever scored in a quarter — then left the floor for two more IVs, missing the entire second and third quarters.

With 8:20 to play, Davis returned to the court for the Pelicans and sparked New Orleans to a 19-10 run to take control of the game, ultimately won by the Pelicans 130-125.

Why the delay in between appearances?

IVs “don’t go at rapid speed,” the 22-year-old told the media after game.

Oh, and that final line?

27 points, 6 rebounds, 4 blocks ... and 29 minutes and 4 IVs.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report