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Anthony Davis’ highly anticipated debut with the Dallas Mavericks started with promise but ended on a sour note due to injury. The 10-time NBA All-Star suffered a left adductor strain during the first game in a Mavericks uniform, and reports suggest he will miss several weeks, possibly extending up to a month, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Anthony Davis suffers non-contact injury
Davis sustained the injury in the third quarter of the Mavericks’ game against the Houston Rockets on Saturday. Although he was able to walk off the court under his own power, it was clear that the pain was affecting him.
Davis was later ruled doubtful and did not return to the game. The news of his injury came as a blow to the team, which had hoped for a smooth transition following his trade from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Both Davis and Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd attempted to downplay the severity of the injury. Davis, in particular, was optimistic, stating it was 'nothing serious.' However, the medical assessment and the absence of a definitive timeline for his return suggest that the injury will keep him sidelined for an extended period.
Anthony Davis' injury alters All-Star Roster
The timing of Anthony Davis' injury has implications for the upcoming 2025 NBA All-Star Game. With the star forward expected to miss the event, he joins another high-profile player on the sidelines.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo is also reportedly set to miss the All-Star Game due to a calf strain, leaving at least two vacancies on the roster.
Anthony Davis: a strong debut cut short
Davis' debut, despite the injury, showed flashes of his potential with his new team Dallas Mavericks. He played a solid 31 minutes, finishing with 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks, helping the Mavericks lead the Houston Rockets 83-75 at the time of his exit. The performance was everything Dallas had hoped for after the controversial trade that sent superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Davis.
However, the excitement surrounding Davis' debut was overshadowed by ongoing fan backlash regarding the Dončić trade. Thousands of Mavericks fans gathered outside the American Airlines Center to protest the decision, expressing their displeasure with the trade and targeting Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison.
The Mavericks had heightened security for the game, fearing protests and potential unrest. Harrison himself has faced death threats in response to the trade, and despite his explanation of the move as a necessary step to strengthen the team’s defense, his popularity in Dallas has hit rock bottom. Fans were vocal about their frustrations, with the general consensus that the team made a significant mistake by trading away Dončić.
Despite the tension surrounding his acquisition, Davis received a warm reception from the home crowd at the arena. However, as the season progresses and the Mavericks’ situation continues to unfold, it may be a while before Davis feels the full support of Dallas fans again.
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