Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis made a statement in his debut game, dunking on his own missed shot and scoring 24 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists. The 10-time All-Star’s impressive performance came as the team celebrated their first home win since trading away franchise icon Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The trade has left fans reeling, with many feeling betrayed by general manager Nico Harrison for making a move that sent Doncic, who was expected to be in Dallas for his entire career, to a new team. The Mavericks’ ownership group, led by the Adelson and Dumont families, has also faced criticism from fans, some of whom believe they are outsiders who don’t understand the team’s history and fanbase.
“It wouldn’t loosen up and let go,” Davis said when asked about his groin and quadriceps injury that kept him out of the Lakers’ final two games before the trade. “But it’s nothing serious.”
Davis’ splashy debut was a welcome distraction from the drama surrounding the trade, but fans are still hurting. Many took to social media and outside the arena to express their anger, with some even bringing signs and banners criticizing Harrison and the ownership group.
“I think he broke our fan base’s heart,” said one fan. “Even an old-fashioned apology probably goes a long way in a lot of these things.”
As for Davis, he acknowledged that it’s going to take time for fans to get used to his presence on the team. “It’s still fresh like a divorce — on both sides,” he said.
Despite the controversy surrounding the trade, the Mavericks are looking to move forward and focus on their next game. “We keep pushing forward,” said coach Jason Kidd. “It was there, but understanding that the business of basketball happens.”
Source: https://www.nba.com/news/anthony-davis-debut-injury