The Dallas Mavericks’ NBA season didn’t go as planned. After a strong start, the franchise made waves by trading their star, Luka Doncic, to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie.
Injuries plagued the second half of the season, leaving the Mavericks in 10th place and then, they failed to clinch a playoff spot after losing in the Play-In Tournament to the Memphis Grizzlies.
General Manager Nico Harrison’s bold move to pair Davis with Kyrie Irving in a “win-now” strategy was designed to strengthen the team’s defense. However, the plan unraveled quickly. Davis suffered an injury during his Mavericks debut against the Rockets, and less than a month later, Irving tore his ACL, sidelining him for the rest of the season.
Despite Davis delivering standout performances in the Play-In games—scoring 27 and 40 points against the Kings and Grizzlies, respectively—his heroics weren’t enough to secure a playoff berth.
Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of the Play-In Tournament at FedExForum. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Speaking with Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News, Davis reflected on his first season in Dallas after the high-profile trade. “I’m just very appreciative I get to play the game of basketball,” Davis said via Curtis on X (formerly Twitter). “Appreciative to Dallas and the fanbase and my teammates for accepting me and welcoming me with open arms, given the situation“.
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Davis also addressed his injury and the effort it took to return to the court in time for the Play-In push. “It’s part of basketball. You can’t control what goes on,” he added. “The injury happened and I tried to do everything I could to get back on the floor to finish the season and try to carry us into the playoffs. I’m just appreciative“.
Davis grateful for support after Doncic trade
The blockbuster trade that sent Doncic to Los Angeles shocked the NBA and left Mavericks fans reeling. Adjusting to life without their superstar was no small task, and Davis acknowledged the emotional toll it took on the fanbase.
“Obviously, it’s a lot of emotion. I know it’s not directed towards me. The city loved the guy. Get rid of a guy. New guy comes in, yet they want to embrace you and they’re thankful for you—it still stings,” Davis said. “I’m just thankful and appreciative for the city of Dallas and the fans for welcoming me and Max to the new situation”.
