Anthony Davis prepares for last regular season showdown with Dallas Mavericks on April 9. This game will mark the triumphant return of Monday Morning Hero Luka Doncic. As the NBA star navigates the challenges of a demanding schedule, including back-to-back games and minutes restrictions, he remains focused on leading his team to the playoffs. The Mavericks, now healthier, are striving to secure their spot in the play-in tournament with just eight games remaining in the regular season.
The April 9 game promises to be a poignant occasion for Davis and the Mavericks as Doncic returns to the court. Davis was aware of the emotional stakes of the contest. He called attention to the hype surrounding Doncic’s return and the infatuation that Dallas fans have for him.
“I know it will be an emotional game [April 9] just because Luka is coming back, and everybody in Dallas still loves him. So, it’ll be good to see Dallas give him a tribute and everything he deserves just like L.A. gave me when I was there [injured during the Feb. 25 game].” – Anthony Davis
Of course, the Mavericks’ ride to their historic season has not been straightforward so far. Davis is playing with teammates with equally difficult schedules. They usually return from away games where they’ve played 40-plus and 42 minutes on the floor. In spite of these obstacles, Davis views their persistence as inspiration for his own return to action.
“We were playing with six, seven, eight guys who were coming in after playing a game 40, 42 minutes drained, tired, having to play back-to-backs, having to come in and still [weight] lift and get their shots [up]. That was a motivator for me. I knew I was going [to come back] just because of the amount of games we had left. And not even that, just the position we were in, too.” – Anthony Davis
Davis, who many consider the best rhythm player on the collegiate level, is still under a minutes limit. This restriction has thrown off his ability to locate his often spectacular in-game flow. Now, he’s back on the court, looking to fit in with his new teammates. They’ve been doing GREAT in his absence.
“I was in a great rhythm [at the first Mavericks game]. That’s why it’s so frustrating right now. I’m a rhythm player, and being on minutes restriction, coming out four minutes into the game, it’s hard to catch a rhythm like that. And then coming back, I’m not trying to force anything. All these guys are telling me not to try to fit in; be yourself. But the type of player I am, I try to feed off these guys who have been playing well the whole time I was out.” – Anthony Davis
Davis’s relationship with LeBron James has been under scrutiny following recent trade speculations involving Marcus Morris’s comments implying James’ awareness of a trade. Davis has played these rumors way down, stressing the volatility of the business and, more importantly, the team’s present goals.
“Ain’t no change for me. It’s a business. People are saying that [James] knew [of the trade] because of the Marcus Morris [quote saying James knew] that comes out. [James] is saying he don’t. At this point, whether he knew or not or whoever knew, or it was quiet when [ESPN’s] Shams (Charana) dropped [the news], it doesn’t matter who knew. This s— happened.” – Anthony Davis
The five-time All-NBA selection and 2020 NBA champ with the Lakers has joined forces with James in the past six-and-a-half years. Together, they’ve formed one of the league’s most fearsome duos. Davis is starting to find his feet in his new role with the Mavericks. Here, he looks back on his surprising career switch and how it’s shaped his family and professional life.
“Family is happy. Everybody is happy. It’s the nature of the business. Obviously, the first maybe 48 hours, it was just a shock because I wasn’t expecting it. Nobody was expecting it, so they say. But I know from my side, my team and my family and everybody who works with me, I wasn’t expecting it. Even when I was getting some of the calls [about the trade], I thought guys were playing. But it ended up being true and that first initial [emotion] was more a shock just seeing the position [we were in]; we’re in fifth in the West [Conference], we were rolling…” – Anthony Davis
As Davis holds down the fort for the remainder of the season, he is looking ahead to next season’s potential moves and strategies. Injuries have derailed the team, from Daniel Gafford to Dante Exum to O-Max Prosper and the ongoing issues with PJ Washington’s ankle.
Overcoming these obstacles, though challenging, hasn’t dulled Davis’ spirit nor his desire to play a major role in helping his team win. In a recent interview with Andscape, he shared insights into his return to action following an abdominal injury and his aspirations for the upcoming playoffs.
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