Anthony Davis understands the Dallas Mavericks fans' frustration at Luka Doncic's trade but hopes he can change their mood "for good". (More Sports News)
Davis arrived at the Mavericks as part of a blockbuster trade from the Los Angeles Lakers, with Doncic, the face of Dallas' franchise, going the other way
Anthony Davis understands the Dallas Mavericks fans' frustration at Luka Doncic's trade but hopes he can change their mood "for good". (More Sports News)
🤪Davis arrived at the Mavericks as part of a blockbuster trade from the Los Angeles Lakers, with Doncic, the face of Dallas' franchise, going the other way.
🅘The 31-year-old started his life with the Mavericks in dominant style, finishing with 26 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists in their 116-105 win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday.
💞Davis did exit the court earlier, with what was described as a "lower-body injury", but he shook off concerns of it being serious, claiming he was "fine" as he continues his recovery from an abdominal strain which had kept him sidelined since January 28.
𝓰He is the first player with at least 25 points, 15 rebounds and five assists in a team debut since Hall of Famer Charles Barkley with the Phoenix Suns in 1992.
🐼There was, however, a pre-game protest which included chants that were critical of Mavericks' general manager Nico Harrison, who made the decision to trade Doncic.
🙈"When you trade a guy like Luka, who meant so much to the city and to the organization, you're going to get some of that," said Davis.
🐟"He's [Harrison] in good spirits, man, but I think he understands that, and it's our job as players to continue to just play basketball, win basketball games and the rest will take care of itself.
๊"I think once we do what we think we can do and accomplish what we think we can accomplish, I'm pretty sure things will go back to normal.
ᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚ"I know this city has a lot of emotions right now. Just trying to do my job in changing that emotion for good. I was letting Dallas fans know what they got in a player like me. It's a little friendly reminder of who Anthony Davis is."
♊Dallas coach Jason Kidd was also impressed by Davis' impact as he had 24 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three blocks by half-time, helping the Mavericks to a 17-point lead.
ꦡ"That just shows the support that he has and the welcome that he has [coming] to Dallas," Kidd said.
𒈔"As he said, he wants to help us win a championship and that's what he's here to do."