The Dallas Mavericks improved to 3-0 when Anthony Davis is in the lineup as the team refocuses on a Playoff push.
The Dallas Mavericks look destined for the NBA Draft lottery after a franchise injury crisis claimed the seasons of many players. Chief among them was Kyrie Irving, whose torn ACL signaled the end of Dallas’ competitive hopes this season. However, Anthony Davis doesn’t want to let that happen.
Davis joined the Mavericks as the key returning asset in the Luka Doncic trade. After getting hurt on his debut against the Houston Rockets, Davis has returned to the court in about six weeks. This is reportedly his decision, as the Mavericks would be okay with sitting him to improve their position for the lottery.
Instead, Davis is eyeing the NBA Playoffs. He’s dealing with questions about his return with class while allowing head coach Jason Kidd to make his gameplans with Davis’ incredible skill-set in mind, unlocking his teammates for more success.
This is working, as Dallas is 3-0 in games where Davis plays, including the win against the Rockets where he made his debut, and got injured. The star is aware of the winning impact he brings to the court and hopes to continue providing it for the rest of the season at a minimum.
After the game, Davis spoke to the media, who told him he played one minute over his 28-minute restriction.
The last thing the Mavs would want is for Davis to get injured again, so Davis joked about that being Jason Kidd’s fault while stressing that he feels good.
“I did? Oh s___. They gotta get on J-Kidd about that, man. That’s why I’m sore. Nah, I feel great. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be great & everybody was telling me, ‘Bro, you missed 6 weeks. It’s your 2nd game back.’
“Just trying to find a rhythm, but most importantly, we got the win…But I feel good. Body’s feeling good.”
Davis has looked like a major contributor for the Mavericks already. Even with a nagging injury and a minutes restriction, his defensive impact alone has led the team to three wins. He’s averaging 17.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over these games. His numbers are bound to improve when he’s fully healthy.
He put up 15 points and seven rebounds in the team’s latest win over the Orlando Magic. If he continues performing like this, the Mavericks have a legitimate shot at being in the postseason.
After their win over Orlando, the Mavericks improved their record to 36-38. While they’re still two games below .500, they’re now occupying the No. 9 seed in the West.
If they hold onto this spot, it will eliminate either the Phoenix Suns or the Sacramento Kings from postseason contention. The one that qualifies would play the Mavericks in the 9-10 Play-In game before the winner faces the loser of the 7-8 Play-in game for the No. 8 seed.
With Davis and a healthy supporting cast outside Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks could legitimately find themselves in No. 8. If they do make it into the Playoffs, they’ll like their chances against the OKC Thunder in the first round, given they’re already 3-0 against them this season.
This is a golden opportunity for Davis to prove his worth to the Mavericks’ fanbase. If he leads them through the Play-in to a historic upset over the No. 1 seed, the blow of the Doncic trade will at least begin to subside.
