The NBA world is set to see a long-awaited return to the court from Anthony Davis. He’ll make his debut alongside the Mavericks this Monday night when they take on the Brooklyn Nets. Davis has missed the last 17 games since going down with an adductor strain on February 8. This injury is a huge blow for the Washington Commanders and for him. Davis still believes he’ll be back in time to play, even amid troubling doubts about his fitness level. His dedication and doggedness imbues every page.
This season, Davis has been a powerhouse, averaging 25.7 points and 12.0 rebounds—a performance only matched historically by two other players who transitioned teams midseason: NBA legends Wilt Chamberlain and DeMarcus Cousins. The last player to accomplish this extraordinary feat before Cousins was Chamberlain during the 1964-65 season. Davis’s gaudy stats illustrate how he’s changed the game today. Perhaps this all goes to explain why the Mavericks and their fans are so optimistic about his return.
The Dallas Mavericks have turned plenty of heads this season, they’ve hit multiple roadblocks this season, with injuries being the toughest crossover. The team has been decimated though including, most famously, the loss of Kyrie Irving to an ACL tear earlier this month. Irving’s absence cannot be overstated. Davis has played only once for the Mavericks since being acquired in the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Davis continued his dazzling performance on the court by netting 26 points, 16 rebounds and 7 assists. Sadly their game ended prematurely late in the 3rd quarter.
Mavericks front office engaged in crucial conversations on Davis’s future. Or they could risk sidelining him for an entire season to protect his long-term health. Davis wasn’t going to budge on his return until he was completely fit — showing just how much of a team player and competitor he is. His sheer will to make an impact on the court speaks to his leadership character and indomitable spirit.
Leave a Reply