Anthony Davis says he will make Mavericks debut Saturday vs. Rockets
Anthony Davis told reporters he will make his debut with the Dallas Mavericks against the Houston Rockets on Saturday.
Anthony Davis said he will make his debut with the Dallas Mavericks against the Houston Rockets on Saturday.
Davis was acquired from the Lakers earlier this week in a blockbuster trade that sent superstar and fan favourite Luca Doncic to Los Angeles.
The 31-year-old Davis said he understands it’s a business and that he isn’t going to downplay what Doncic meant to the fans in Dallas.
“I’m not surprised by the fans’ reaction and the city’s reaction but it’s my job to come in and play basketball and do what I’m supposed to do,” Davis said during his introductory press conference Friday. “Give the fans hope and reassurance on why (Mavericks GM) Nico (Harrison) brought me here.”
Saturday will also be the Mavericks’ first home game since the deal. Davis isn’t sure how the fans will react and said he is just focusing on the things he can control.
“At the end of the day, I’m going to give the city life back,” he said. “Obviously, it was a tough transition. It was a shock to all, but like I said, my is job to come and play basketball and win basketball games.”
Davis, who is a five-time All-NBA first-team player, averaged 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds in 42 games with the Lakers before sustaining an abdominal strain on Jan. 28.
The Mavericks are eighth in the Western Conference with a 27-25 record and snapped a three-game losing streak Thursday with a 127-120 victory over the Boston Celtics.
