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Anthony Davis calls out haters amid fierce first-half debut following Luka Doncic trade

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•02/08/25•

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Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

For the first time since the blockbuster trade that shook the NBA, Anthony Davis suited up for the Dallas Mavericks. He was the centerpiece of the trade that sent Mavs star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers – a move that sent the fan base into outrage.

Through the first half of Saturday’s game against the Houston Rockets, Davis made his presence known. He also had a message to the haters.

Davis got off to a dominant start to his time in Dallas. In the first quarter alone, he had 14 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a block as the Mavericks took a commanding lead over the Rockets. Then, he turned to the crowd with two words.

“I’m here!” Davis yelled.

Davis finished his first half as a Maverick with a double-double, totaling 24 points and 13 rebounds to help Dallas take a 65-48 lead into the locker room. He also added five assists and three blocks as he made an impact on both sides of the ball.

Mavericks GM Nico Harrison said Davis was the key piece of the landmark trade, which sent Doncic to the Lakers in a league-altering move. Max Christie was also part of the return for the Mavericks while the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two 2025 second-round picks to help facilitate the move.

Still, after trading his franchise player in Doncic, Harrison defended the trade during a press conference. He cited the need for the Mavericks to win now, which is why they added a rim protector in Anthony Davis before the NBA’s trade deadline.

“I understand why they would be shocked, initially,” Harrison said, via Yahoo Sports. “But I do believe that we positioned ourselves to win now and also win in the future. And that’s ultimately the goal and why we’re here. It’s one of those things where it’s my job to make the tough decisions that put our goals first and foremost.”

The response from the Mavericks fan base, though, has been fierce. Ahead of Saturday’s game – the first home matchup since the trade – fans organized protests and called for the franchise to fire Harrison for trading Doncic, the 25-year-old international superstar.

According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, Harrison also received death threats after the trade went down ahead of the deadline. As a result, security is increasing for the Mavericks’ first home game since it happened. Harrison also won’t be sitting with the fans, as he usually does, amid the increased protection.