Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks leaves the court docket with an harm in the course of the third quarter towards the Houston Rockets at American Airways Heart on February 08, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. Tim Heitman/Getty Photographs/AFP
Whereas the Mavericks are nonetheless adjusting to their post-Luka Doncic actuality, Anthony Davis’ debut on Saturday served as a obligatory reminder that Dallas acquired an all-world expertise in his personal proper.
Davis was super 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 on account of a non-contact harm.
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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 sport towards the visiting Sacramento Kings on account of a left adductor pressure.
READ: NBA: Mavericks’ Anthony Davis says he’s ‘high quality’ after harm
“Simply the leg acquired tight, like a bit of spasm,” Davis mentioned. “Simply got here again and tried to get it free and all the pieces. Clearly, coping with the ab pressure nonetheless, so simply tried to get it free. It wouldn’t actually loosen up and let go, however it’s nothing critical. I’m high quality.”
Nonetheless, ESPN reported Sunday evening that Davis is ready to overlook a number of weeks because of the harm. He might even find yourself being sidelined for a month.
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In Davis’ first half in a Dallas uniform, he tallied 24 factors on 9-of-13 taking pictures, 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 enjoying on a number of feelings,” Davis mentioned. “I do know this metropolis has a number of feelings proper now. Simply making an attempt to do my job and alter that emotion for good. … Dallas followers know what they acquired in a participant like me. So, a bit of pleasant reminder of who Anthony Davis is.”
Regardless of the harm scare, the Mavericks secured a 116-105 win over the Houston Rockets. Davis exited his debut with 26 factors, 16 rebounds and 7 assists.
READ: NBA: Anthony Davis powers Mavs previous Rockets earlier than exiting with harm
The Kings went by way of 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 complete draft picks.
The Kings fell quick in every of LaVine’s first two video games with the crew earlier this week, however they’ve since rebounded with a 123-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.
“You possibly can discuss loads and you’ll watch movie, however there’s no complement for expertise,” LaVine mentioned. “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’ve acquired 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 mean of 21.5 factors per sport. Domantas Sabonis chips in 20.5 factors and an NBA-leading 14.3 rebounds per sport, whereas Malik Monk provides 18.0 factors per sport.
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 sport).
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Monday marks the second assembly of the season between the groups. Sacramento beat the Mavericks 110-100 again on Dec. 30.