In his first game back against the Dallas Mavericks, Davis boasted his best performance. This was Evans’ second game for the Kings since being traded from the Los Angeles Lakers. Davis, who missed six weeks with an aggravated abdominal strain, made it back to the court just in time. He’d only been swapped for Luka Doncic himself at the start of February. He returned in style on Monday, though. The Mavericks were riding high after a huge upset victory over the previously unbeaten Brooklyn Nets, 120-101.
Davis first made his Mavericks debut in a game against the Houston Rockets on February 8. In that game, he had a wonderful performance. In the process, he put up 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in only 31 minutes of court time. In his debut, Davis tweaked an existing abdominal strain he’d suffered since the trade. The seriousness of this injury forced him to leave the court and take at least 9 months off for rehabilitation.
After his return, Davis showed both persistence and tenacity. He played 26 minutes against the Nets, finishing with 12 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block. Even with the after-effects of his previous injury still prevalent, Davis told us he was happy with how he performed and how his body felt.
"Seeing these guys playing with seven guys. Guys playing 38, 40 minutes. We just don't have enough bodies. Kessler Edwards is playing the 5. Naji [Marshall] is playing the 5. Added a little bit more motivation for me. I was already motivated to get back. But it added a little bit more motivation seeing those guys battle each and every night. And leaving it on the floor," said Davis.
The grim reality is that the Mavericks are in over their heads with injury after injury. Key players such as Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, Dante Exum, and Caleb Martin are all unavailable this season. Davis’s return was a huge shot in the arm for a team that has been fighting with one hand tied behind their back.
"There was no doubt in my mind I was going to come back," Davis stated confidently.
And one thing was clear in their eventual win over the Nets on Monday—Davis was clearly the catalyst, dominating defensively and offensively. He further proved his support off the floor by coming to Kyrie Irving’s aid after Irving was shown suffering apparent distress after making free throws. Even in this tragedy, Davis’s leadership and dedication to his soldiers shone through.
Davis emphasized his desire to be part of the team's efforts on the court and acknowledged the challenges his teammates faced during his absence.
"It was tough seeing these guys battling every single night. Winning close games," he remarked.
His impact goes beyond the points and rebounds he contributes. He provides comfort and power to a team that scrapes and claws to remain relevant despite the darkest days.
"As one of the leaders of the team, I just wanted to go out there and give them a breather at least," Davis explained.
And through this difficult time, Davis has met the volley with fierce resolve. He’s determined to return with greater impact on his team’s success. On the evidence of his return performance, he has the makings of one doozy of a comeback story already.
"Losing close games. Blowing teams out. Getting blown out. They are laying it on the line. For me, it was never a thought about if I was going to come back and play. Especially if I was healthy. We are undermanned. Guys are hurt. Gafford. Lively. Kyrie goes out. It was tough. Guys were leaving it on the floor. Guys laying on the floor in the locker room afterwards just gassed — to the point of exhaustion. There was no doubt I was going to come back and play. That makes you want to come out and play with these guys. Leave it on the floor and battle each and every night," Davis elaborated.
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