Anthony Davis Returns As Mavericks Roll Past Nets

DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 08: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks walks up the court against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at American Airlines Center on February 08, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

Monday night’s matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets also featured Anthony Davis’ return to the starting lineup after missing 18 games due to an adductor strain.

Davis played 27 minutes in the Mavericks’ 120-101 win over the Nets after head coach Jason Kidd said he would be on a minute restriction, finishing with 12 points, six rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal.

>More: Anthony Davis Practicing With Mavericks’ G-League Affiliate, But Is Returning Worth It?

The Mavericks had a rough stretch without Davis, going 6-12 after the stunning trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and falling in the standings. Monday’s win, however, improved their record to 35-37, putting them a half-game ahead of the Phoenix Suns (34-37) for the Western Conference’s final Play-In Tournament berth.

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“You have to commend him for working to get back,” Kidd said. “This is his job. We can always talk about the future. That’s the balance that we have to look at. Tonight’s the start of him working towards hopefully playing the rest of the season, but we gotta remember he gets paid to play.”

Davis said he’s unlikely to play in Tuesday’s matchup against the New York Knicks but anticipates being back on court Thursday against the Orlando Magic.