Anthony Davis scores first basket as a Maverick in impressive first quarter vs. Rockets

Davis made his debut for the Mavericks on Saturday against the Rockets.

Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) brings the ball up court against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks returned home on Saturday for the first time since making the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis swap with the Los Angeles Lakers. The fans weren't happy with the trade, given how beloved Luka Doncic was to the city, but Anthony Davis is a special player in his own right, and he made his Mavericks debut on Saturday.

Anthony Davis wasn't able to play in either of the two games since the trade due to an abdominal strain, but he started for the Mavs on Saturday against the Houston Rockets and made an instant impact, getting double-teamed on his first touch and finding Daniel Gafford for a lob underneath the basket.

Here was Davis' first basket as a Maverick, as he posted up Amen Thompson and hit the mid-range fadeaway near the Dirk Nowitzki logo.

AD's FIRST BUCKET WITH THE @dallasmavs 🔥 pic.twitter.com/N4kf6JOm68

— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2025

READ MORE: Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison received death threats after trading Luka Doncic to Lakers

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) celebrates after he dunks the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Davis got off to a hot start to the game, putting up 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block in the first quarter. First impressions are everything, and he was making an immediate impression, as he was also keeping Alperen Sengun in check.

Anthony Davis was looking forward to the opportunity to play the 4 alongside Dallas' centers, and if he provides more quarters like this, it's understandable why. Max Christie, who also came over in that trade with the Lakers, had 5 points in the first quarter in his debut in front of Dallas fans (he played in the last two road games against the 76ers and Celtics).

Recapping the Mavericks' Trade Deadline

Mavericks Receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, Caleb Martin, 2029 Lakers First-Round Pick, 2030 Second-Round Pick (team unclarified as of now)

Lakers Receive: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris

Utah Jazz Receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Mavericks Second-Round Pick, 2025 Clippers Second-Round Pick

Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Quentin Grimes, 2025 76ers Second-Round Pick

READ MORE: Anthony Davis' agent Rich Paul breaks silence on Mavericks-Lakers trade for Luka Doncic

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