Dominant stretch vaults Anthony Davis into MVP conversation

New Orleans lost half of its All-Star big-man duo, then lost five of the first six games without DeMarcus Cousins. The season itself began to look like a lost cause in early February, with the Pelicans sliding down the Western Conference standings rapidly, seemingly on their way to a third straight non-playoff season.

Just when things appeared to be at their bleakest in the Crescent City, however, Anthony Davis put the team on his back, compiling the best stretch of his pro career – both individually and in the win column. As a result, instead of limping to the regular-season finish line, the Pelicans (40-30) are in the thick of the West postseason hunt. They have a chance to earn homecourt…