Mavericks Fans React To Finally Some Good News: Anthony Davis Inching Closer To Return
The Dallas Mavericks went from October to February of this season, hoping to win a championship after their Finals appearance last season. Instead, they traded their 25-year-old superstar Luka Doncic for the aging and oft-injured Anthony Davis, who played one game for the franchise before picking up an adductor strain and missing the team's last 21 games.
Amidst consistent bad news since that trade, Mavericks fans have finally been given a glimmer of hope with Davis' injury status being upgraded to 'doubtful,' officially making him day-to-day, according to Grant Afseth.
"Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (left adductor strain) has been upgraded to doubtful for Monday's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets."
Fans seemed mixed over this news.
"Cool, I mean he only missed 21 games in a row, so... cool trade bro?" said one fan who's still bitter over the decision to acquire Davis for Luka.
"That’s the most Anthony Davis headline ever. Upgraded to doubtful," said one joking fan.
"AD being allowed to play when that's what he wants (when Dallas should be tanking) vs Luka not being allowed to play when he really wanted to (when Dallas should have been tanking) is absolutely incredible," said Kirk Henderson pointing out how the Mavs are doing more to accommodate Davis than they ever did Doncic.
“I think you’re going to be playing with fire,” said one fan about Davis playing any more basketball this season.
"Anthony Davis is coming back soon, our play in push might be finished," said a Suns fan after seeing the news.
"Great Anthony Davis is going to be a try-hard on April 9. But if the Lakers are serious, they would’ve clinched by then," said a Lakers fan about Davis' returning two weeks before the Mavs vs. Lakers game in April.
Davis is averaging 25.7 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.1 blocks this season. He's only played one game for the Mavericks where he dominated the Houston Rockets by putting up 28 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks in just three quarters before picking up the adductor strain that has sidelined him for the last 21 games.
The Mavs should be focused on tanking this season to maximize their draft odds, but the return of Davis indicates the team will make a push for the No. 10 seed, currently tied with the Phoenix Suns. But it seems Davis' decision to return to the court is led by him and him alone.
The injury crisis in Dallas should be ending soon, as Davis' return also follows the return of Jaden Hardy. Both Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford still might return before the season ends but there's no confirmation on their statuses.
What we know is that Davis will be back soon, so Mavs fans at least get to see top-tier talent in action again.