The Dallas Mavericks put in a strong performance last night, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 120-101, a much-needed victory that allowed them to reclaim the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference. While the score captures the game’s essence, the spotlight was undoubtedly on Anthony Davis, who made his return from injury.
Questions have swirled around Davis’ decision to come back, especially given the current state of the Mavericks. With Kyrie Irving sidelined, many speculate about the team’s ability to compete for a deep playoff run. But Davis isn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet. Following the win, he expressed his determination, stating, “I’m not the one to throw in the towel and sit down, I felt good enough to play. We got goals in mind. Even though we are undermanned, not 100% healthy… I want to make sure I have rhythm if we’re able to get in the play-in.”
It’s reasonable to have doubts regarding the Mavericks’ chances as they pursue a postseason berth this season. However, writing them off entirely would be a mistake. With Anthony Davis on the court, anything is possible, especially if he can maintain his health. The return of key players like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II could also pivot the trajectory of this team. If they can build some momentum, don’t be surprised if the Mavericks end up surprising some critics.
As for Davis’ performance last night, he made an efficient return, scoring 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting, alongside six rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block—all in just over 26 minutes of play. While he’s still on a minutes restriction and likely won’t exceed 30 minutes for a while, his impact on the game was palpable.
Moving forward, all eyes will be on whether Davis suits up for the second half of the back-to-back against the New York Knicks. The Mavericks are expected to provide updates on his status ahead of tip-off, which will have everyone curious about what might come next in this rollercoaster of a season. With Davis back in the fold, it seems the Mavericks are aiming to make a statement—whether that statement leads to the playoffs remains to be seen.
