Anthony Davis Makes Historic Debut for Dallas Mavericks Amid Injury Concerns

2025-03-01

Anthony Davis made a historic debut for the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, February 8, 2025, but his performance was cut short by a lower-body injury. The 10-time All-Star, acquired in a blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, exited the game against the Houston Rockets late in the third quarter after experiencing tightness in his groin and quadriceps area. Despite the injury, Davis downplayed its severity, stating, “It’s nothing serious. I’m fine.”

Davis had a dominant first half, finishing with 24 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, helping the Mavericks build a double-digit lead. He became the first player in the play-by-play era to record at least 24 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks in a single half. By the time he left the game, Davis had tallied 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks in 31 minutes.

The injury occurred during a non-contact play, with Davis collapsing to the floor holding his groin. He did not return to the game, but the Mavericks held on for a 116-105 victory. Head coach Jason Kidd indicated that the team would assess Davis’ condition further on Sunday.

Davis’ debut came amid significant fan backlash over the Dončić trade, with protests outside American Airlines Center and death threats directed at Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison. Despite the controversy, Davis expressed his commitment to winning over the Dallas fanbase, saying, “I understand it, and obviously it’s a business… It’s my job to come in, play basketball, and do what I’m supposed to do.”

The Mavericks, now 28-25 and eighth in the Western Conference, will rely heavily on Davis as they push for a playoff spot. His health will be critical, especially with several other key players sidelined due to injuries.

Anthony Davis downplays injury that dampened historic Mavericks debut: 'It's nothing serious'

Davis was ruled out toward the end of the third quarter of Dallas' win over Houston

www.cbssports.com

Anthony Davis exits Mavericks debut with non-contact injury, but says it's 'nothing serious'

Anthony Davis' debut with the Dallas Mavericks was going as well as the team could have hoped, until the end of the third quarter.

sports.yahoo.com

AD has 'reminder' debut, is 'fine' after early exit

Anthony Davis said he's fine after leaving what was a dominant debut for the Mavericks with a lower-body injury.

www.espn.com

Anthony Davis leaves his Dallas debut with an injury after seismic Luka Doncic trade

Anthony Davis left in the third quarter with a lower-body injury and didn’t return in his debut with the Dallas Mavericks after the seismic trade that

apnews.com