Anthony Davis Dominates, and the Mavericks Suddenly Have a Decision to Make
Anthony Davis looked every bit like a franchise anchor on Monday night, and the Dallas Mavericks might want to hit pause on any trade talks. Against the defending champion Denver Nuggets, Davis didn’t just show up-he took over. With 32 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and a steal on 13-of-23 shooting (including 2-of-4 from deep), Davis reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most dominant big men in the NBA when he’s locked in.
And just like that, the Mavericks have won two straight. At 7-15, they’re still sitting near the bottom of the standings, but they’re only two games out of the Play-In Tournament.
That’s not exactly a death sentence in today’s NBA. With Davis rounding into form and the team starting to gel, Dallas might be closer to turning the corner than their record suggests.
A Team Better Than Its Record?
It’s not just the win that’s turning heads-it’s how Dallas has been playing. Eleven of their 15 losses have come by 10 points or fewer.
That’s not a team getting blown off the floor; that’s a team hanging around and just not finishing the job. And with Davis back in rhythm, those close games might start tilting in their favor.
The Mavericks find themselves at a fork in the road. One path leads toward a rebuild, maximizing lottery odds, and building around Cooper Flagg for the long haul.
The other? Letting Davis cook, waiting for Kyrie Irving to return, and seeing how far this current group can go.
And after Monday night, that second option doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
The Case for Holding Onto Davis
There’s been chatter about moving Davis before the trade deadline-teams like the Bulls have been floated as potential partners-but the Mavericks may want to pump the brakes. Trading Davis might bring back assets, but it’s far from a guarantee that it would significantly improve their lottery position. This roster, even with its flaws, might simply be too good to tank.
And that’s the crux of the issue: Davis is still elite. When his jumper is falling, like it was against Denver, he becomes a matchup nightmare.
His mid-range game was smooth, his three-point stroke looked confident, and he punished the Nuggets inside with putback slams and second-chance points. He pulled down four offensive rebounds and gave Dallas a level of physicality and presence they’ve been missing.
Defensively, he was just as impactful. His ability to protect the rim and switch on the perimeter gave Jason Kidd a blueprint for what this team could look like at its best. With Davis at the five, a true point guard running the show, and Flagg bringing his energy and versatility, there’s a real foundation to build on.
A Performance That Changes the Conversation
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about one game. It’s about what that game represents.
Davis showed that he can still be the engine of a playoff-caliber team. He didn’t just put up numbers-he imposed his will on both ends of the floor.
And with Flagg continuing to develop and Ryan Nembhard turning in a historic performance of his own, the Mavericks are starting to look like a team with some juice.
So where does that leave the front office? Mark Cuban has said the team doesn’t want to trade Davis, and if the wins keep coming, he may stick to that. Davis’ trade value is only going up with performances like this, so even if Dallas does decide to explore deals, they might be better off waiting until the offseason when the market is more flexible and the picture is clearer.
No Need to Rush the Decision
Right now, the Mavericks don’t have to make a call. They can let the season play out, see how Davis continues to perform, and evaluate the roster with Kyrie back in the mix. If Davis keeps playing like this, he not only boosts his own value-he gives Dallas a legitimate shot at clawing back into the postseason picture.
The Mavericks still have work to do. A couple of wins don’t erase a 7-15 start.
But with Davis healthy and dominant, suddenly the path forward isn’t as murky. Whether he’s part of a playoff push or a long-term trade chip, Davis is proving that the team that might make the most sense for him right now… is the one he’s already on.