Two months after one of NBA’s most talked about exchanges, Anthony Davis returns to Los Angeles, this Friday (4), for the first time.
the pivot will face Los Angeles Clippers at the opening of a series of two games between the teams.
Davis was negotiated by Lakers on February 2, but played only six matches with the Mavericks. But the impact has been positive: the team has won five of these six games and is still fighting for a place in the western conference.
Anthony Davis begins to engage in Mavericks
Last Wednesday, Davis had his best performance since arrived in Dallas. With 34 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks, he even converted a decisive throw to 3.4 seconds from the end, ensuring the 120 to 118 victory over Atlanta Hawks.
“It’s good to see that he is starting to get into the pace,” said coach Jason Kidd, highlighting the athlete’s evolution in his adaptation to the team. “He is getting to know his new companions and they are also learning to play with him.”
Spencer Dinwiddie, veteran of the Mavericks, stressed the challenge faced by Davis:
“Any player who returns from an injury, regardless of time stopped, needs a period of adaptation. Especially in a new team, with new plays and new companions. He is one of the best of all time, just needs to play his game.”
Dallas Quer Play-in to save difficult anus
where he acted for five and a half seasons, three times all-star and winning the NBA title in 2020.
For Dallas, the play-in rating would be a big feat in a turbulent year, marked by the exchange of Luka Doncic and the injury that took Kyrie Irving of the season. The team disputes the latest post-season vacancies with Suns and Kings, leaving only two weeks to the end of the regular phase.
“We want to secure a play-in game at home and then win to move on,” said Klay Thompson. “Our goal is to be in the playoffs.”
Clipper comes packed
The clippers (44-32), in turn, occupy the seventh position in the west, but are only 2.5 games of third place. The team has been packed, with nine wins in the last 11 games, being defeated only by leaders Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
“We are playing the right way,” said Ivica Zubac. “Our defense has improved a lot. Everyone is connected and committed to helping each other. This evolution has been fundamental to our sequence.”
Kawhi Leonard and James Harden stand out in the clippers
Kawhi Leonard has been one of the highlights of this rise, with an average of 26.4 points in the last five games. James Harden leads the team with 22.5 points per match.
“Everyone is keeping an eye on the classification,” said Harden. “But we control our own destination. The important thing is to play well, regardless of the opponent. If we keep this level, things will fit.”
Mavericks and clippers face each other again on Saturday at Intuit Dome. In December, each team won a game in direct confrontation in Dallas.
