The Dallas Mavericks faced a setback during their Christmas Day game against the Golden State Warriors when forward Anthony Davis exited early due to a groin injury. This incident marks a troubling trend for the Mavericks, as it is the second consecutive year a star player has been sidelined on December 25. Last year, Luka Dončić suffered a left calf strain during the same holiday matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Davis left the game with 8:50 remaining in the second quarter after experiencing what the team described as “right groin spasms.” The injury occurred while he was attempting to sprint during a fast break. After limping to the bench, a Mavericks trainer examined Davis, who subsequently headed to the locker room during a stoppage in play. The team announced shortly after halftime that he would not return to the game. He ended the outing with three points in just 11 minutes of play.
Since joining the Mavericks from the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2023, Davis has struggled with injuries. He has already missed 16 games this season due to various issues, including a left calf strain sustained in October. The Mavericks have recorded an 8-7 record when Davis plays, contrasting sharply with a 4-12 record during his absences.
The extent of Davis’s injury remains to be fully assessed, and the Mavericks will be closely monitoring his recovery as they navigate the remainder of the season. This latest injury raises concerns about his availability and the team’s performance moving forward, especially given that Davis has participated in only 27 of a potential 67 games since the trade.
The Mavericks will need to rally in Davis’s absence, leveraging their remaining roster to maintain competitiveness in the league. With the playoffs on the horizon, the team hopes for a swift recovery for their crucial player as they aim to solidify their position in the standings.
