Mavericks look to rebound after Davis scores two against Thunder; injury updates on Thompson, Gafford and Lively
mavericks-look-to-rebound-after-davis-scores-two-injury-updates
Anthony Davis said the Dallas Mavericks have no time to “dwell” on Friday’s 133-112 loss in Oklahoma City after the All-Star forward managed only two points, missing his first eight field-goal attempts against one of the league’s top defenses.
Davis, who finally scored with 8:08 remaining in the fourth quarter before exiting for good, faced constant double teams. The Thunder assigned Jaylin Williams as the primary defender while 7-foot-1 rookie Chet Holmgren provided help from the baseline.
“When I catch the ball, they’ve got guys loaded up. That’s most teams’ game plan,” Davis said.
Rookie Nembhard draws praise
Despite the lopsided defeat, head coach Jason Kidd highlighted rookie point guard Ryan Nembhard’s composure under pressure. “I thought he did great, being able to find his teammates and attack,” Kidd noted.
Injury report vs. Rockets
The club ruled out Klay Thompson (left knee soreness) and Daniel Gafford (right ankle injury management) for Saturday’s home game against Houston. Forward P.J. Washington, initially listed as a game-time decision with a sprained right ankle, has been cleared to play.
Lively seeks further evaluation
Second-year center Dereck Lively II will obtain additional medical opinions to determine the cause of ongoing swelling and soreness in his right foot. The 21-year-old has appeared in only seven games this season and has been sidelined since Nov. 21.
“He wants to play. Unfortunately, he can’t right now,” Kidd said. “Hopefully this process brings resolve and he can get back, because we miss him.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
