Davis Returns in Defeat: Doncic and Reaves Shine Against the Mavs

Anthony Davis Returns to the Court with the Mavericks, But the Lakers Take the Victory

After almost a month of absence, Anthony Davis returned to action with the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, facing the Los Angeles Lakers. His former coach, J.J. Redick, promised to pay special attention to him on his return. The Lakers’ strategy was evident from the start, with a second defender rotating towards Davis every time he touched the ball. Davis, who had been out of action since October 29 due to a left calf injury, finished the game with 12 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in the Mavericks’ 129-119 loss. Davis made 6 of 10 field goals and didn’t attempt any free throws in 28 minutes, slightly exceeding the established minute restriction.

“We weren’t trying to force anything. They were double-teaming me every time I caught the ball. As soon as I caught it and turned around, I had two guys in my face. I was just trying to make the right play with the pass. The shots will come when I get the opportunity to score, but the rhythm will come,” Davis said.

Anthony Davis

Lakers fans gave Davis a huge ovation during the pre-game introductions. This was the first game he played at Crypto.com Arena since he was traded in a surprising deal that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles. Doncic, who said that facing the Mavericks will always have “a special meaning for me”, had another outstanding performance, scoring 35 points and dishing out 11 assists. Lakers guard Austin Reaves was arguably the best player on the court, scoring 38 points on 12-of-15 shooting before swapping jerseys after the game with former teammate Davis.

Reaves praised Davis, saying he is “one of the best players to ever touch a basketball.”

“I have a lot of affection for AD. He’s a big reason why I am where I am right now. From day one, he told me to be myself, not to be anyone else. To keep working and, really, to be myself on the court. So I owe him a lot,” Reaves said.

Austin Reaves

Davis’s stint in Dallas has been difficult, as injuries have limited him to only 15 games since the trade, leading to the dismissal of Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison earlier this month. Davis will not play on Saturday night against the Clippers, as the Mavericks continue to take a cautious approach with him. Davis felt he was ready to return a few weeks ago, and his personal medical staff had cleared him to play against the Washington Wizards. However, after Dallas’ director of health and performance, Johann Bilsborough, expressed his concern, Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont intervened to suspend Davis’ return plan until medical data indicated there was no risk of aggravating the calf strain or suffering a catastrophic related injury. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are staggering near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. They have a 5-15 record after Friday’s loss.

“Every time you’re sitting and watching these guys, especially in close games, you wish you could be out there. As one of the leaders, you want to go out there. It’s a competitive nature to go out there and help these guys, but now I have the opportunity to do it,” Davis said.

Anthony Davis