Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks ahead Anthony Davis (3) leaves the sport in opposition to the Houston Rockets through the third quarter on the American Airways Heart. Necessary Credit score: Jerome Miron-Imagn Photographs Whereas the Mavericks are nonetheless adjusting to their post-Luka Doncic actuality, Anthony Davis’ debut on Saturday served as a essential reminder that Dallas acquired an all-world expertise in his personal proper.
Davis was large in his first look as a Maverick, however issues took a sobering flip late within the third quarter when he needed to return to the locker room attributable to a non-contact damage.
Each Davis and the Mavericks indicated postgame that the massive man’s exit was largely precautionary, however he has been dominated out for Monday’s recreation in opposition to the visiting Sacramento Kings attributable to a left adductor pressure.
“Simply the leg bought tight, like somewhat spasm,” Davis stated. “Simply got here again and tried to get it free and every little thing. Clearly, coping with the ab pressure nonetheless, so simply tried to get it free. It would not actually loosen up and let go, however it’s nothing severe. I am nice.”
In Davis’ first half in a Dallas uniform, he tallied 24 factors on 9-of-13 capturing, grabbed 13 rebounds, dished out 5 assists and added three blocks. Davis grew to become the primary participant within the play-by-play period (because the 1996-97 season) to gather at the least 20 factors, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and three blocks in a single half.
“I used to be taking part in on lots of feelings,” Davis stated. “I do know this metropolis has lots of feelings proper now. Simply attempting to do my job and alter that emotion for good. … Dallas followers know what they bought in a participant like me. So, somewhat pleasant reminder of who Anthony Davis is.”
Regardless of the damage scare, the Mavericks secured a 116-105 win over the Houston Rockets. Davis exited his debut with 26 factors, 16 rebounds and 7 assists.
The Kings went via their very own franchise-altering shake-up on the commerce deadline, sending former franchise cornerstone De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in a commerce that netted them Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko and 6 whole draft picks.
The Kings fell quick in every of LaVine’s first two video games with the staff earlier this week, however they’ve since rebounded with a 123-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.
“You may speak about rather a lot and you’ll watch movie, however there is not any complement for expertise,” LaVine stated. “Particularly being on the court docket with guys and seeing how they transfer, the place they just like the ball. All these nuances make a distinction, particularly with timing and issues like that. We’re getting it down, however you have to do it on the fly.”
With Fox now out of the fold, DeMar DeRozan takes the mantle because the Kings’ main scorer with a median of 21.5 factors per recreation. Domantas Sabonis chips in 20.5 factors and an NBA-leading 14.3 rebounds per recreation, whereas Malik Monk provides 18.0 factors per recreation.
Whereas Davis will sit out on Monday, the Mavericks will proceed to lean on Kyrie Irving (24.1 factors, 4.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists per recreation).
Monday marks the second assembly of the season between the groups. Sacramento beat the Mavericks 110-100 again on Dec. 30.
–Subject Degree Media
