Anthony Davis injury update: Mavericks star gives positive news after leaving dominant debut vs. Rockets

After putting together a dominant first half in his Dallas Mavericks debut, Anthony Davis left Saturday’s game against the Houston Rockets with a non-contact injury. He didn’t return as the Mavs came away with their first post-Luka Doncic victory.

Speaking with reporters after the game, Davis said he felt “a little spasm” in his abdominal area – an injury he previously suffered with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he added it was “nothing serious,” which bodes well for his long-term status.

Additionally, Davis was “very confident” he avoided a setback. His status will still be worth monitoring as the Mavericks get ready for Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings.

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!“

On the whole, Davis ended his day with 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in his first game as a Maverick. Dallas eventually came away with the 116-105 victory over the Rockets.

How Anthony Davis ended up in Dallas

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 increased 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.