Lakers Neutralize Anthony Davis in Return, Beat Mavericks 129-119 in Los Angeles
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LOS ANGELES — Anthony Davis stepped on the court for the first time since Oct. 29, but constant double teams limited his impact as the Los Angeles Lakers topped the Dallas Mavericks, 129-119, at Crypto.com Arena.
Playing on a minutes restriction after missing nearly a month with a left calf strain, Davis recorded 12 points, five rebounds, five assists and three blocks in 26 minutes. He shot 6-for-10 from the field and never reached the free-throw line.
“They were kind of double-teaming every time I caught the ball,” Davis said. “I was just trying to make the right play. The rhythm’s going to get there.”
Mavericks coach JJ Redick promised before tip-off that his former All-Star would draw extra attention, and the Lakers delivered on that plan from Davis’s opening touch.
Austin Reaves Leads L.A. Surge
While Davis worked to regain his timing, Austin Reaves erupted for a career-high 38 points on 12-of-15 shooting. Luka Doncic, acquired by the Lakers in the Feb. 2 blockbuster that sent Davis to Dallas, added 35 points and 11 assists.
Reaves and Davis exchanged jerseys after the final buzzer. “He’s one of the best players to ever touch a basketball,” Reaves said. “I don’t know why he wanted my jersey, but I owe him a lot.”
Mavericks Continue to Slide
Dallas fell to 5-15, extending a rough stretch that coincided with Davis’s absence. Injuries have limited the eight-time All-Star to 15 games and two play-in appearances this season, issues that contributed to general manager Nico Harrison’s dismissal earlier in the month.
Davis said he believed he was ready to play weeks ago, but the organization waited for medical data showing he faced no additional risk. He will sit out Saturday’s meeting with the Clippers as the Mavericks maintain a cautious approach.
“You wish you could be out there,” Davis said. “As one of the leaders, you want to help these guys. Now I have the opportunity to do that.”
Source: Hoops Wire
