Anthony Davis makes impactful debut for Dallas Mavericks amidst Doncic trade backlash
Anthony Davis made a strong debut for the Dallas Mavericks with 26 points, but did not finish the game due to injury, amidst fan protests over the trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers.
Anthony Davis has emphatically announced his arrival less than five minutes into his Dallas Mavericks debut by dunking his own missed shot, pointing to the roaring crowd and yelling, "I'm here!"
However, the 10-time All-Star didn't finish Saturday's 116-105 NBA home victory over the Houston Rockets due to an injury, adding fuel to the anger of fans over the seismic trade that sent 25-year-old franchise icon Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Fans in Dallas were shell-shocked over losing a player they thought would be in Dallas his entire career, while general manager Nico Harrison faced criticism for trading a young superstar in his prime just eight months after a run to the NBA Finals for a 31-year-old with an extensive injury history.
Despite concerns, Davis reassured fans, having exited late in the third quarter of Dallas' first home game since the trade due to tightness near his groin and quadriceps. He indicated, "It's nothing serious."
Davis had previously missed his final two games with the Lakers before the trade due to an abdominal strain, and this was his first game back.
The crowd greeted Davis enthusiastically, who responded with an impressive performance, scoring 24 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and all three of his blocks in the first half. He ultimately finished with 26 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists.
Outside American Airlines Center, two hours before the game, fans wearing Doncic's familiar No. 77 were still grappling with the shock of losing their franchise player in a protest that featured signs and chants, predominantly aimed at Harrison.
Davis commented, "It's going to take time. It's still fresh like a divorce -- on both sides. Not saying it's going to go away in one day."
Meanwhile, both Doncic and fellow superstar Le Bron James (ankle soreness) sat out as the streaking Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers 124-117 at home, with Doncic watching from the bench as he nears a return from the strained left calf that has sidelined him since Christmas. Austin Reaves scored a career-high 45 points for the Lakers, who are now fourth in the western conference.
