Davis Says Offensive Game Will Improve

Baron Davis is shooting 37.5% from the field and 52.6% from the free-throw line, but he doesn’t need those numbers to realize that the recovery process goes beyond the strength of his left knee.

“With layups and free throws and other shots that I’m normally able to hit, I’m not hitting them now,” he said. “It’s just a matter of time.”

Davis’ offense is not as far along as his defense in the three games since he returned from the torn ligament that cost him the end of last season and the start of this one.

A 67.6% shooter from the line in 1997-98 as a freshman, Davis missed his first six tries last Saturday against Nevada Las Vegas.

But with the Bruins protecting a 68-67 lead, he made two with 36 seconds left, getting a helpful bounce on one and swishing the other.

“It was a relief,” he said.

Said Coach Steve Lavin: “That’s what makes him special. If he’s shot 60% in his career, he’s probably hit 85% in the last two minutes.”