Anthony Davis, The Mavericks' Savior?!

The Luka Doncic trade this deadline has overshadowed Anthony Davis's amazing season. Dallas Mavericks fans have lost a hero whom they drafted to succeed NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki. Putting the 32-year-old former champion in a hard place because he is now on a team where he isn't welcome. No fault of his own, as any team would die for the 10-time All-Star, but not at the expense of giving away a franchise player. Anthony Davis had a huge game in his debut against the Houston Rockets. He finished the game with 26 points, shooting 10-18. He also had 7 assists and 16 rebounds. Sadly, he has a lower-body injury. This has been a common problem for Dallas this season.

The Dallas Mavericks have had bad luck this season. Losing Kyrie Irving to a season-ending injury was tough. He made the All-Star Game and stepped up when Luka got hurt. Later, he also led the team when Anthony Davis was out. Losing young players hurts. Dereck Lively II is out with a right ankle stress fracture. Omax also has a right wrist injury. Along with Daniel Gafford, the rim protector, who is out due to an MCL tear. This has limited the Dallas organization. They even face the chance that they might be forced to forfeit the season due to the lack of available players. Despite that, many players were able to step up.

Many players on the Mavericks team were able to step up with Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and company out. PJ Washington has been incredible as he averages 20 points per game on 53 percent shooting. PJ has been great at shooting from long range. Washington has also led the team to wins against strong opponents like the Detroit Pistons. Bringing the energy needed as the main two options were out. Spencer Dinwiddie, the longtime veteran, has been able to take over the mantle. Spencer was key in helping Dallas reach the Western Conference Finals in 2022; now, Dinwiddie has taken over the offense. He has been excelling as a facilitator and lead the scoring against the Pistons. Naji Marshall has averaged 22.2 points per game and has been one of the positives of this season. Kai Jones, a young player, has been trying to get a role in the NBA. Being released by the Hornets and Clippers, Kai has had the chance to prove that he is a real basketball player. With Anthony Davis back, the Mavs have a chance to make the play-in.

Anthony Davis made a strong return against Brooklyn, being on minutes restrictions. Playing only 27 minutes and scoring 12 points on 6-9 shooting, he ended the game with a win. The Big Unibrow is an elite off-ball player who can let others play to their full abilities. Along with being able to play down low in the post, which draws many defenders. The team will miss the rim protection that Daniel Gafford provides while he is out. And with the Mavs engaged in a tough competition for the play-in, Anthony Davis is essential.

The Western Conference is a battleground this season. The Oklahoma City Thunder lead, while everyone else fights for position. Which includes the Dallas Mavericks, who look to compete for their seat in the playoffs. The Suns are on a winning streak with Hall of Famer Kevin Durant leading the way. James Harden and his team have been great in LA. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle have found their rhythm. Zach LaVine has also delivered impressive performances. This has put the Mavs in a tough spot towards the end of the season. Anthony Davis is the sole star without his co-star Kyrie Irving. The team lost a lot of its depth due to injury, but there are role players who have been able to be great. Anthony Davis might be able to handle the load, as he has before. The goal is for him to find his footing without delay. Or else, with how stacked the West is, it is hard to imagine the Mavericks being able to make the eighth seed.

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