Anthony Davis played his first game in nearly a month on Friday night, recording 12 points, five rebounds, five assists and three blocks in 28 minutes during the Dallas Mavericks’ 10-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The appearance was Davis’ first since missing 14 games and his initial meeting with the Lakers since February’s blockbuster trade that swapped him for Luka Doncic.
Head coach Jason Kidd said the veteran center “stacked good minutes” despite slightly surpassing his prescribed limit. Dallas slipped to 5-15, the second-worst mark in the Western Conference, but Davis expressed confidence the season can still be salvaged, noting past teams that recovered from poor starts.
Doncic still circles Dallas on calendar
Nearly 10 months removed from the trade, Doncic acknowledged that facing his former club remains “special,” though he added the emotions are easier to manage now. After the game he praised No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, who finished with 13 points, a career-high 11 assists and seven rebounds, predicting the 18-year-old will develop into “a great player” despite the pressure attached to his draft position.
Nembhard makes first career start
Two-way rookie Ryan Nembhard entered the starting lineup for the first time Saturday. The ex-Gonzaga guard responded with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting and four assists in 23 minutes. Nembhard said the Lakers sagged off him to double-team Davis, giving him clean looks he tried to exploit.
Cisse earning minutes on two-way deal
Undrafted center Moussa Cisse, also on a two-way contract, continues to carve out a rotation role. One opposing scout described the Guinean big man as “explosive” and lauded his energy on the glass and weak-side rotations, while noting he is still adjusting to NBA defensive schemes.
Source: Hoops Rumors
