Davis exits with leg soreness, compounding the Mavericks' growing injury crisis. Another key player down, Dallas battles on.
DALLAS — Anthony Davis’ move to center didn’t last long Wednesday night, as the Dallas Mavericks’ 10-time All-Star exited late in the first quarter with lower left leg soreness and did not return in a 107-105 win over the Indiana Pacers.
Davis, who has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists through five games this season, appeared to tweak his leg while retreating on defense with just over four minutes left in the opening period. He bent over near midcourt before coach Jason Kidd called a timeout to remove him from the game.
The veteran big man had four points and four rebounds in seven minutes before being ruled out for the rest of the night. He was listed as probable before tipoff with bilateral Achilles tendinopathy and started at center in place of Dereck Lively II, who missed his second straight game with a right knee sprain. Daniel Gafford also sat out with a right ankle sprain.
Kidd said Davis tried to return in the second quarter but was held out as a precaution.
“He tried to return, but we didn’t want to take any chances,” Kidd said. “We’ll see how he feels going forward.”
The Mavericks have been dealing with injuries up and down the roster since the start of the season. Kyrie Irving remains sidelined after undergoing surgery on his left knee, and Danté Exum continues to recover from a right knee injury. The absences left Dallas with only one available center — veteran Dwight Powell — who responded with a season-high 18 points, six rebounds, and two blocks while shooting 10-of-12 from the free-throw line.
“It’s always tough when one of your main guys goes down,” Powell said. “We want to make sure he’s all right, but whoever’s number is called has to step up. Fortunately, a bunch of guys did that tonight.”
Despite losing Davis early, Dallas rallied from a 14-point deficit to finish its five-game homestand with a 2-3 record. Rookie forward Cooper Flagg recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds for his second career double-double, while Brandon Williams and D’Angelo Russell combined for 34 points off the bench.
Kidd credited the team’s resiliency but said health remains the biggest key to finding consistency.
“We’re trying to find our way,” he said. “When we get healthy, that’ll be a blessing too. But right now, we’ve got to play with the guys that we have.”
Davis’ status will be reevaluated ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons in Mexico City — the Mavericks’ first road game of the season.