Anthony Davis is finally back, and the timing couldn’t be more dramatic. After missing 14 straight games with a left calf strain, the Dallas Mavericks’ star big man returned Friday (Nov. 28) night at Crypto.com Arena, and his comeback just so happened to land in the same building where he became a champion.
Jason Kidd Optimistic as Anthony Davis Makes Return
It’s Davis’ first game in Los Angeles since the massive trade that sent him to Dallas for Luka Dončić back in February, and the emotions around the matchup are heavy on all sides.
Before tipoff, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd spoke openly about Davis’ long-awaited return, his impact, and the expectations that lie ahead. Kidd’s tone was a blend of realism and optimism.
As reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin: “I think the biggest thing is, as you know in this league, the train keeps moving. No matter a trade or a dismissal, you got to keep moving. For AD the focus was on his body, come back healthy… Can’t get everything solved in 24 minutes tonight but as we go forward, we feel like we have a chance to win when he’s in uniform.”
It’s a candid assessment from a coach who has watched his team slide without its interior anchor. Davis has not played since Oct. 29, sidelined by a left calf strain that halted what had been a strong start.
The 32-year-old big man is still putting up All-Star-level production with 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 52% shooting averages in the 2025-25 season, but availability has been the real roadblock.
Friday marked Davis’ 15th appearance as a Maverick, a number that speaks directly to Dallas’ frustration. The front office built this roster around his two-way dominance, but his injuries have shaken the foundation of the blueprint.
Since the firing of GM Nico Harrison, league chatter has only grown louder that the Mavericks may consider trading Davis before the deadline if the season continues to slip away.
Meanwhile, His return game in Los Angeles came wrapped in storylines. Davis remains deeply respected by Lakers fans, who watched him form a championship duo with LeBron James and deliver the franchise’s 17th NBA title in 2020. He left LA not by choice but through a seismic franchise-altering trade.
That said, Davis’ comeback isn’t just a feel-good moment for the Mavs. It’s a lifeline for a Mavericks squad that has been leaking defensively and sits in the 14th spot with a 5-14 record. Without him, the Mavs have struggled to protect the paint and generate second-chance opportunities.
His interior defense has been the missing ingredient, especially during the recent 1-4 skid. Kidd hinted that the Mavericks aren’t expecting miracles on night one, but they understand what Davis represents: balance, rim protection, and offensive stability when on the court.