Anthony Davis stats tonight: Returning Mavericks star scores in double figures in win against Nets (Mar. 24)

Anthony Davis and the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 120-101 on Monday at Barclays Center in New York.

Davis finished with 12 points, six rebounds and three assists. He played over 26 minutes in his return and also had a steal, a block and two turnovers. Although he did not hit a 3-pointer in two attempts, he was efficient in his return, shooting 6-for-9 (66.7%).

Dallas won its second game in a row and improved to 35-37. They are in a battle with the Phoenix Suns (34-37) for the 10th and final play-in spot in the Western Conference. The Suns visited the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.

Davis appeared in his just the second time in a Mavericks uniform. He missed the previous 18 in over six weeks of absence due to a left adductor strain. Dallas went 6-12 in that stretch.

Before the game, coach Jason Kidd told the media that Davis would play no more than 28 minutes in his return.

"We would just like to have a healthy, positive experience," Kidd said. "He’s on a minutes restriction. We understand he’s one of the best players in the world. But he’s been out for some time. We want a healthy, positive experience."

On Monday, Davis played nearly eight minutes (7:54) in the first quarter and scored six points on 3-for-4 shooting. He also contributed two rebounds, two assists and a block. The Mavs had a 32-17 lead over the Nets.

Davis played around six minutes in the second period, bringing his total to 14:03 at the half. He did not attempt a shot in the second frame but had three rebounds and an assist. His team held a 14-point lead at the half, 62-48.

Dallas' lead ballooned to 22 towards the end of the third quarter and had a 96-77 lead heading into the fourth. In over six minutes of action, Davis contributed four points on 2-for-3 shooting.

Davis had a couple of stints in the fourth quarter, and with 2:15 remaining, Davis was pulled out of the game. He played 26:32 minutes, around 90 seconds below the minutes threshold (28) that Kidd said pregame.

Anthony Davis' stats tonight

Player	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	FG	3-PT FG	FT	+/-
Anthony Davis	12	6	3	1	1	2	6-9	0-2	0-0	12

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Jason Kidd shares thoughts on reports that Anthony Davis "pushed" for a return

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd shared his thoughts about Anthony Davis returning to action with the 2024-25 season concluding.

Kidd said that the 10-time All-Star showed his commitment to winning and his goal to aid his team on a possible playoff push. There were reports that the team considered shutting down Anthony Davis this season amid Dallas' injury woes.

Kidd shared his comments before Monday's win against the Brooklyn Nets. NBA reporter Erik Slater tweeted Kidd's remarks:

"I think you have to commend him (Anthony Davis) for working to get back because this is his job," Kidd said. "He feels responsible to get back to work. ... He gets paid to play. I know you think this is a joke, but his character of working to get back with 12 games left shows how much he cares."

Kidd added that the team will have to navigate how to balance a playoff push this season and their preparation for the future.