Anthony Davis returned to the lineup on March 24, 2025, in a significant boost for the Dallas Mavericks, helping them secure a 120-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. This marked Davis's first game back after missing six weeks due to a left adductor strain, a hiatus that saw the Mavericks struggle without him, posting a 6-12 record in his absence.
In his limited 27 minutes on the court, Davis contributed 12 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block, shooting an impressive 6 of 9 from the field. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd had initially restricted Davis’s playtime, stating he would be limited to a maximum of 28 minutes, but his presence was felt immediately as the Mavericks built an early lead. They opened the game with a commanding 32-17 advantage after the first quarter.
"We understand what’s at stake here," Kidd remarked before the game, underscoring the importance of Davis's return to their playoff hopes amid a fierce race for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.
Dallas saw a balanced scoring effort, with Naji Marshall leading the team from the bench with 22 points. P.J. Washington and Spencer Dinwiddie each added 16 points, while Brandon Williams contributed 15, and Kai Jones scored 13. The Mavericks showcased an efficient offense, shooting 56.3 percent from the field and capitalizing on 18 turnovers by the Nets, resulting in 31 points off those mistakes.
The game was largely one-sided, with the Mavericks maintaining a lead throughout. Davis’s early contributions in the first quarter included a quick six points and some key defensive plays. He scored his first basket just moments into the game, setting the tone for his return. The Mavericks held a 62-48 lead at halftime, capitalizing on their dominant first half. The second half saw similar performances as Dallas widened the gap, leading by as much as 112-93 before closing the game out with a comfortable margin.
Nic Claxton led the Nets' efforts with 19 points, but Brooklyn’s overall performance reflected ongoing struggles, marking their fourth consecutive defeat and leaving them at a disappointing 23-49 for the season.
This victory was crucial for the Mavericks, lifting their season record to 35-37 as they vie for the 10th place in the West, which secures a spot in the play-in tournament.
Before his injury, Davis was averaging 25.7 points and 12 rebounds across 43 games with the Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers, making him an invaluable asset for the team. His absence had been felt deeply, and his return provides hope to a Dallas team eager to compete for a playoff berth in the season's final weeks.
The Mavericks are next set to face the New York Knicks on March 25, 2025, which will continue to be a critical matchup as they aim to solidify their playoff position.
The Nets, on the other hand, must regroup quickly as they prepare to host the Toronto Raptors on March 26, 2025, seeking to curb their losing streak and regain some momentum.
