The Dallas Mavericks came away with a crucial 107-105 victory over the recent NBA finalists, the Indiana Pacers, in a statement win. However, the game left Mavs fans in shock as superstar big man Anthony Davis exited after only seven minutes of action.
While the victory provided a boost for the team, health concerns persisted. During the post-game press conference, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd offered an update on Davis’ status. “Left lower leg soreness,” Kidd said. “He tried to return, didn’t want to take any chances. So, we’ll see how he feels going forward.”
Anthony Davis has been one of the Mavericks’ top performers this season. As the team’s sole superstar in the absence of Kyrie Irving, the 32-year-old has consistently delivered strong performances to keep Dallas competitive.
Davis looked in MVP form, averaging 25.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 52.1 percent overall. His presence remains central to the Mavericks’ success.
Anthony Davis during an NBA game with the Dallas Mavericks.
Players stepping up in Davis’ absence
Brandon Williams, Dwight Powell, and Cooper Flagg combined for 53 points to carry the team past a shorthanded Pacers squad, helping the Mavericks improve to 2-3 on the season despite Davis’ early exit.
see also
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo delivers emphatic message about potential trade to Knicks
Kidd addresses Klay Thompson’s performance
Beyond Anthony Davis’ injury, the Mavericks also have concerns about their backcourt production, particularly from four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson.
Thompson has struggled through a slow start to the 2025-26 season, averaging 9.0 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting just 34.2 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from three-point range.
Jason Kidd addressed Thompson’s early-season struggles in the press conference. “He’s gotta keep shooting. He’s a shooter. He’s been in this league for a long time. For him, he needs to take those looks. He’s getting great looks, they’re just not going down for him right now,” Kidd explained.
