Anthony Davis Returns, Reacts to Kyrie Irving’s Injury as Mavericks Cruise Past Nets, Eye Playoff Push

As Anthony Davis returned to action Monday night at Barclays Center, he brought more than just his size and skill to the Dallas Mavericks’ frontcourt. He provided much-needed relief and resolve for a team battling adversity.

In his first game since straining his left adductor on February 8, Davis contributed 12 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block in 27 minutes during the Mavericks’ 120–101 win over the Brooklyn Nets. The performance marked a steady return for the superstar big man, whose absence loomed large over Dallas’ recent 6–12 stretch.

Davis, who has averaged 25.4 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 44 games this season, has now played two games in a Mavericks uniform, averaging 19.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.

Anthony Davis on Kyrie Irving’s Injury: “It Was Devastating”

But even as Davis made his return, he was mindful of the star teammate the team won’t be getting back this season. Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending tear of his left ACL on March 3. After the win, Davis reflected on his co-star’s injury and said the moment was difficult for the entire team.

“It was devastating,” Davis said. “Kyrie is a phenomenal basketball player, but even more a phenomenal human. Any time anyone goes down to an injury like that it always sucks.”

Davis waited before reaching out, giving Irving space to process the news before checking in. He said Irving has embraced the recovery process and remained visible on the sidelines.

“Obviously, the initial injury in the initial moment, you want to give him space,” Davis said. “He came back to the locker room, got everything out of his system, and was excited about the rehab process. He’s in a good headspace. He was on the bench tonight. So, to see him in a great head space is good for our team, good for me, and I’m pretty sure it’s good for him.”

Irving’s injury was just one chapter in a season riddled with health setbacks for the Mavericks. In addition to Davis and Irving, the team has lost Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Danté Exum, Caleb Martin, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Jaden Hardy, Dwight Powell, Brandon Williams, and Kai Jones for various stretches.

Anthony Davis on the Dallas Mavericks’ Injury Struggles

Dallas was forced to play with just seven available players at one point. Davis, who was sidelined himself, said those moments motivated him to accelerate his return.

“It was tough seeing guys come in the locker room after the games laying on the floor just gassed to the point of exhaustion,” Davis said. “That makes you want to come out and play with these guys. There was no doubt I was going to come back and play.”

Davis’ return helped the Mavericks re-establish a more traditional lineup, with Davis at power forward, Jones at center, and Washington sliding to the three. The added length helped Dallas win the rebounding battle, 41–37, while also improving their rim protection and ball movement — they tallied 19 of their 34 assists before halftime.

Head coach Jason Kidd and the Mavericks’ medical staff had placed Davis on a minutes restriction, limiting him to 28 minutes. He played just under that, logging 26.5 minutes without any setbacks — the primary goal of his return. Davis noted that while his current injury was a strained adductor, it followed an abdominal issue that kept him out during his final week with the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I don’t know,” Davis said, when asked if the two injuries were related.

Dallas Mavericks Needed a Star Back in the Lineup

Regardless, Davis was firm with the team about his intention to return if he felt physically ready.

“We all huddled up and got on the same page,” Davis said. “There was never a moment in my mind — unless we ran out of games — that I wasn’t going to play. Seeing these guys playing with seven guys. Guys playing 38, 40 minutes. We just don’t have enough bodies. Kessler Edwards is playing the five. Naji [Marshall] is playing the five — added a little bit more motivation for me.”

Marshall continued his steady production Monday night, leading all scorers with 22 points off the bench on 9-of-15 shooting in 27 minutes. It was a balanced scoring night with seven players in double figures, including Spencer Dinwiddie and Washington scoring 16, Williams adding 15, Jones scoring 13, and Max Christie chipping in another 10. Dallas improved to 7-1 when seven players score 10 or more.

“It’s AD,” Marshall said. “He’s going to find his own shots (and) he’s going to find the ball. He trusts in us, just like coach. So, we just go out there and play.”

The Mavericks face a quick turnaround with a matchup against the New York Knicks on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. Davis may sit the second leg of the back-to-back, but his presence has already reenergized a team clinging to playoff aspirations.

Though Dallas will finish the season without Irving, Davis emphasized that the team’s potential hinges on regaining health, including key contributors like Lively and Gafford. Both players recently participated in 3-on-3 action with the Texas Legends to continue their injury rehabilitation process.

Both players are progressing. Early in March, DallasHoopsJournal.com was told there is optimism that Gafford could return in 1-2 weeks before the end of the season. Lively’s timetable of two to three months provides many possible outcomes, but his progress gives reason for optimism.

“We just gotta get healthy,” Davis said. “Lively is on his way. Gafford. We just have to get guys healthy. Once we do that, we can go as far as our health goes.”

Anthony Davis is back now, and the Dallas Mavericks hope his return provides the necessary spark to solidify a spot in the play-in tournament.