For the second time, Anthony Davis introduced himself to the Dallas Mavericks fans. He enjoyed his best game against the Atlanta Hawks tonight. He bled, hit the game-winner, and was stuck to Young during the final defensive possession. His dominance may help the Mavs fans forgive the franchise for trading Luka Doncic. After all, they could expect such regular performances now that AD has dealt with the initial discomfort.
With the sudden trade and then the injury, Davis never got the chance to settle since the blockbuster move. In the few games that he has been back, his contributions have been limited due to his minutes. But tonight, he had a go from Kidd. And Davis went berserk. He tallied 34 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks in Dallas’ 118-120 win over Atlanta.
It finally felt like the chains were loose. Moreover, Davis is finally over his struggles. “I’ve been struggling as of late, a little mental stuff, you know, going on, but today I just wanted to come out and play free and just let the rest take care of itself, and I was able to get in the rhythm, but my team has got a lot of trust in me… It was a fun game,” he said after his phenomenal performance.
Apr 2, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) reacts in front of Atlanta Hawks guard Terance Mann (14) during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Despite them practically boycotting the franchise, fans also know Anthony Davis is a devastating force on the basketball floor. He was instrumental in leading the Mavericks’ second-half comeback tonight. Defensively, Davis is capable of being a one-man juggernaut, as he proved tonight.
Since his return, the Mavericks have had three of the last four games. What’s scary is that Anthony Davis is yet to have played minutes worthy of a full game. Because he had to get stitches tonight, AD only played for 30 minutes. Yet in that half an hour his impact was greatly influential for the Mavericks.
And it’s not just him who has adapted successfully.
Things are starting to fall in place for the Mavericks
As challenging as it is for Anthony Davis and Christie to go to a new arena, imagine what the Mavericks have been through. Doncic was their heart and soul. Every motion started with his touch, and the team always had their eyes on him. Suddenly, that all had to change. Davis came and was stunning in his debut. But his abductor injury put a pause on the integration process.
So over the last four games, his Mavericks teammates have started to study his likes and dislikes. And Jason Kidd saw them take huge strides in the win against the Hawks.
“I think when you when you’re out I think I don’t know if it was out 18 yeah so that’s a while. But it’s good to see that he started to get in a rhythm. Also, you know new teammates. I understand his teammates are trying to learn him and I thought a lot of great carryover from yesterday,” the Mavericks head coach detailed.
Having lost to the Brooklyn Nets in rather embarrassing fashion, this win is huge for the Mavericks. It strengthened their grip on the 9th seed, which does offer a chance at making the playoffs. But most importantly, it will allow the top brass to see how the team operates around Anthony Davis in a high-stakes environment.
The fans and the team will be reeling in excitement once Kyrie Irving returns next season. But till then, getting AD comfortable is an integral goal. Tonight’s display against the Hawks showed the Mavericks aren’t taking much time to make progress towards it.
The post Anthony Davis Confirms Mental Health Struggle After Life-Altering Decision as Relationships Status in Mavs Locker Room Emerges appeared first on EssentiallySports.