Anthony Davis left the game in the third quarter due to a lower-body injury and didn’t return in his first game with the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday after the big trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Davis fell without anyone touching him and grabbed his groin area during Dallas’ 116-105 win over the Houston Rockets. He was listed as doubtful to return and didn’t play again during the Mavs’ first home game after the trade.
The 31-year-old mentioned that he felt tightness in his groin and quadriceps. Part of the reason he didn’t return was because of the abdominal strain that had kept him out of his last two games with the Lakers before the trade and the first two games he could have played with the Mavericks.
“My leg got tight, like a little spasm,” Davis said. “I came back and tried to get it loose and everything, obviously dealing with the ab, still strained. It wouldn’t loosen up and let go. But it’s nothing serious.”
Davis had 24 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and all three of his blocks in the first half. He finished the game with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists.
“We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” coach Jason Kidd said.
Anthony Davis yells in the 1st halfOne of the many criticisms of the trade was Dallas giving up a 25-year-old superstar in his prime for Davis, who has had a history of injuries.
The 10-time All-Star went down without contact when Alperen Sengun drove past him for a layup. Davis walked slowly toward the offensive end and stayed in the corner near the Dallas bench while his team ran their offense.
Davis didn’t attempt to move back after the Rockets regained possession. The Mavericks committed a foul to stop the clock and get Davis out of the game. He stayed on the bench briefly before leaving the court.
The Mavs will face Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Monday night in the second game of a four-game homestand.
“I’m very confident,” Davis said. “I feel great. I’ll do some more stuff tomorrow, but just take it a day at a time.”
