Anthony Davis’ debut with Mavericks marred by injury

Playing in his first game since being traded from the Los Angeles Lakers, Davis shot 10 of 18 from the field and had three of Dallas’ 18 blocked shots but limped off the floor late in the third quarter.

Davis, playing for the first time since Jan. 28 due to an abdominal strain, told reporters after the game that he exited early because of tightness in his groin and quadriceps.

“Leg got tight, like a little spasm,” Davis said. “Came back and tried to get it loose and everything, obviously dealing with the ab, strained still. It wouldn’t loosen up and let go.

“But it’s nothing serious.”

Anthony Davis went to the locker room with a non-contact injury pic.twitter.com/uq4671SOJG

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 8, 2025

Saturday’s game was the first in Dallas since the Mavericks acquired Davis for Luka Dončić. There were some protests, mostly directed toward general manager Nico Harrison, but Davis was greeted with cheers.

Max Christie, who was also part of the Dončić-Davis swap, scored 23 points off the bench for the Mavs.

Alperen Sengun was the high-point man for Houston, finishing with 30 points and eight rebounds.

Stephen Curry scored 34 points, Jimmy Butler had 25 in his first game with his new team and the Golden State Warriors handled the Chicago Bulls 132-111.

Butler, who was acquired from the Miami Heat after a contentious showdown with his previous team, was 7 for 12 from the field and made 11 of his 13 free throw attempts.

Curry was 8 of 16 from 3-point range and contributed six assists.

The Warriors dominated the boards and benefitted from 16 offensive rebounds, including four by reserve Gui Santos.

Coby White led the way for the Bulls in the loss with 27 points and four assists.

Jayson Tatum scored 40 points, Payton Pritchard added 25 off the bench and the Boston Celtics eased past the New York Knicks 131-104.

Tatum’s second 40-point performance of the season was fueled by his seven 3-pointers. The six-time All-Star added six rebounds and four assists with only one turnover.

Pritchard was also hot from beyond the arc, making 6 of 8 from 3-point range, as the Celtics converted on 19 3-pointers.

Kristaps Porzingis was sidelined due to an illness, but Luke Kornet shot a perfect 7 for 7 starting in Porzingis’ place.