Anthony Davis spoke out after scaring Dallas fans following his first game in a Mavericks uniform.
After lighting up the Houston Rockets with an excellent first half on Saturday, the injury-prone Davis exited the game after a non-contact injury.
While playing defense during a Rockets possession in the third quarter, Davis backed into the paint before falling while holding onto his groin.
Nonetheless, the Mavericks secured the 116-105 win over their state rivals. As for Davis, he reassured fans that the injury is not something to worry about in the long run.
‘It’s an emotional day. [My] first game here in Dallas,’ Davis said postgame. Just from the standpoint of being with a new team, first time putting the uniform on, so a lot of emotions before game time.
‘My leg got tight, like a little spasm,’ he said of the injury. ‘Just trying to get it loose, but it’s nothing serious.’
Anthony Davis exited in the third quarter of his Dallas Mavericks debut with a groin injury
The former NBA champion announced his arrival in Dallas, scoring six points, four rebounds, three assist and a block in his first four minutes as a Maverick.
Davis had 24 points, 13 boards, five dishes, and three swats at halftime. He continued to be impressive, leaving the game with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists.
His status is listed as a game-time decision, with the Mavericks set to host the Sacramento Kings on Monday evening.
Davis arrived in Dallas in the shock trade that sent former Mavs franchise player Luka Donicic to the Lakers.
The transaction assembled Davis with other champions and former rivals in Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. He entered Dallas during one of his healthier seasons as of late, up until Saturday’s injury.
In his 12th year in the NBA, the former Kentucky star is averaging 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds shooting 52.8 per cent from the field.
Dallas sits eighth in the Western Conference at 28-25, taking down the fifth-seeded Rockets (32-20).
