Anthony Davis led the Dallas Mavericks to a resounding 120-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings in a high-stakes NBA Play-In Tournament clash, ensuring Dallas’s postseason hopes.
Despite having just played 10 games for Dallas since being traded from the Lakers for Luka Dončić and only returning from an adductor injury, Davis put on an outstanding performance with 27 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks.
Davis also achieved a personal milestone in the game, improving his record against Kings center Domantas Sabonis to 5–10 after losing their previous ten meetings.
Davis’ interactions with Kings supporters garnered media attention in addition to his stats.
He showed his competitive attitude and confidence in his new role with the Mavericks by taunting the Sacramento crowd near the end of the game.
The Mavericks’ win was essential, as they will now play the Memphis Grizzlies for the Western Conference’s last playoff position. The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder will be challenged by the victor of that game.
Many Mavericks supporters were originally wary after the contentious deal that sent fan favorite Luka Dončić to the Lakers, but Davis’s play and leadership are starting to win them over.
According to Davis, “I get what Luka was to this franchise, to this city… my job is to come here and play basketball.” Davis has acknowledged the feelings of the supporters.
Davis’s comeback and the team’s unity will be crucial as the Mavericks get ready for their upcoming matchup with the Grizzlies in an attempt to guarantee a postseason berth and justify the audacious choices made by the front office.