Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis showcased his two-way brilliance in a 120-118 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, scoring the go-ahead basket and forcing a tightly contested step-back three that failed to draw iron at the buzzer. Davis finished with 34 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks in 30 minutes, as the Mavs moved 1½ games ahead of the Sacramento Kings.
Davis’ dominant performance was his first since his Dallas debut on February 8, when he scored 26 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and blocked three shots. He had struggled to find his groove in his first four games back from a strained left adductor injury, averaging 14.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in 28.5 minutes.
“I just made up my mind after my pregame nap,” Davis said, explaining that he was determined to play with energy and force. “I was going to go out there and whatever happens, happens.” The decision paid off as Davis dominated the game, displaying his two-way skills to close out the win.
The Mavs’ victory marked a turning point in their playoff push, as they now sit 1½ games ahead of the Sacramento Kings for the right to host the Western Conference’s play-in game. Center Dereck Lively II returned from a stress fracture in his right ankle and center Daniel Gafford played his second game back from a sprained knee. The big men combined for 15 points and 11 rebounds.
“We know how dominant we can be when we are healthy and available,” Davis said, emphasizing the importance of team dominance.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44513478/playing-free-anthony-davis-dominates-mavericks-top-hawks