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A talented, athletic forward, Antonio Davis is the other Davis on the Pacers.
Unlike his namesake Dale -- who is no relation -- Antonio is making his name off the bench for the Pacers. Antonio started only one game this season, but his contributions as a substitute have made him one of Indiana's most important players and made the Pacers one of the league's toughest teams to beat this season.
Antonio averaged 9.4 points and seven rebounds a game in just 25 minutes a game during the regular season. He's continuing his strong work in the playoffs, averaging eight points and 7.9 rebounds a game this postseason.
Davis is a key player when starting center Rik Smits is injured or finds himself in foul trouble. Smits was in foul trouble in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, so coach Larry Bird called on Antonio, who put in a playoff-high 35 minutes of play.
That proved critical in the pacers' win. A. Davis' 11 rebounds off the bench, and his nine points, helped the Pacers escape with a two-point victory and a split of the first two games.
A good bench often can be the difference between a win and a loss in the playoffs. And, with players like Antonio Davis and talented guard Jalen Rose sitting pretty on the sidelines, the Pacers know they're siting pretty in the NBA Playoffs.
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Antonio Davis' play off the bench will be key to Indiana's title hopes.