The Dallas Mavericks finally have something to celebrate as the centerpiece of their Luka Doncic trade, Anthony Davis returned to action.
Anthony Davis‘ return energized the Dallas Mavericks as they managed a 120-101 win over the lowly Brooklyn Nets to keep their prospects of a playoff run alive.
On a minutes restriction, Davis started hot and finished with a very respectable stat line of 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
However, the biggest beneficiary of Davis’ return was someone else entirely, as Jason Kidd made a pointed observation about Davis’ Mavericks teammate who thrived in his new role.
Jason Kidd on Anthony Davis’ return impact
For a team that, just a few weeks ago, looked like they would have to forfeit their games due to a lack of available players, Davis’ return is like rainfall in a barren land.
Kyrie Irving’s injury was the most brutal dampener on the proceedings in Dallas and there were suggestions that Klay Thompson was already regretting his move.
Therefore, when Davis returned, every player on the Mavs roster would have gotten a spring in their step which didn’t go unnoticed by head coach Kidd for one player in particular.
He said Naji Marshall was ‘aggressive’ after coming off the bench with Davis starting and his performance leaves him hopeful of the team’s depth.
Marshall top-scored for the Mavs with 22 points in 27 minutes, adding four rebounds, and two assists in the process.
Kidd said: “I think just understanding one, he’s [Naji Marshall] a pro, and he’s done everything we’ve asked him. And again, I think coming off the bench tonight, he was aggressive, and being able to play make and then also being able to score, when he did that at a high [level] for us, and that just gives us our depth of being able to bring someone like that off the bench is big.
“Most likely he’s going to start tomorrow [Davis rest]. But just looking at if we’re healthy, being able to have someone like that [on the bench], that can score play make, and then also on the defensive end.”
Dallas Mavericks outlook isn’t as bad as it looks
When a generational 25-year-old superstar is traded away from the team, it is understandable that the long-term outlook becomes bleak, despite what Nico Harrison would have fans believe.
However, the Mavs’ prospects this season look much worse than they actually are because they’ve been hit by the perfect storm of bad events.
Doncic’s trade was their mistake but Kyrie Irving’s season-ending injury and Davis getting injured on his debut wasn’t in their hands.
In a parallel world, the Mavs keep winning games with Irving and Davis as Thompson provides crucial spacing and Max Christie continues his ascent.
If everyone involved holds the trigger, then the Mavs could be a threat next season still, it’s just that they have ruined any goodwill with the fans and their long-term picture.
