Anthony Davis addressed the media Friday night following the Dallas Mavericks’ season-ending 120-106 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference play-in.
The 31-year-old forward, who led all scorers with 40 points and nine rebounds, spoke candidly about his late-season injury and midseason trade to Dallas.
“I’m just very appreciative I get to play the game of basketball,” Davis told reporters postgame, as shared by Mike Curtis on X.
The former Lakers star was traded to the Mavericks on February 2 in a blockbuster deal that sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles in a rare exchange of All-NBA talents.
Alongside Davis, Dallas also acquired Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick while sending a second-round selection to Utah as part of the three-team trade.
Since arriving in Texas, Davis has served as the Mavericks’ focal point, especially after Kyrie Irving underwent knee surgery in March.
Despite Davis’ efforts, Dallas struggled down the stretch, finishing 39-43 and dropping eight of their final ten games entering the postseason.
The Mavericks advanced past Sacramento in the first play-in game but were outmatched Friday by a Grizzlies squad led by Ja Morant’s 22 points and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 24.
Davis exited in the fourth quarter after appearing to injure his right calf but briefly returned before sitting out the final minutes with his leg wrapped in ice.
“I tried to do everything I could to get back on the floor… to carry us into the playoffs,” Davis said.
The eight-time All-Star added that he was thankful to the Mavericks’ organization and fans for embracing him during a difficult transition.
“You can’t control what goes on,” Davis said of the trade. “It’s part of basketball.”
While Davis’ offensive output stood out, the Mavericks never led in the game and fell behind by as much as 25 in the first half.
They briefly cut the deficit to single digits in the third quarter but were unable to slow down Memphis’ balanced attack, which featured six players scoring in double figures.
Dallas entered the postseason as the 10th seed after a turbulent regular season marked by lineup instability, late injuries, and major roster changes.
With the loss, the Mavericks’ season ends without a playoff berth, while Memphis moves on to face top-seeded Oklahoma City in the first round.
Davis’ future with the Mavericks remains uncertain, but his message was clear: “I’m just appreciative.”
