The Dallas Mavericks' season has been dealt a potentially devastating blow, with star forward Anthony Davis facing the prospect of season-ending surgery on his left hand.
Injury Details and Immediate Aftermath
The injury occurred during the tense final minutes of Thursday night's 116-114 defeat to the Utah Jazz. With just 2:52 remaining on the clock, Davis was defending a drive by Jazz star Lauri Markkanen when the damage was done. The eight-time All-Star was seen in immediate and obvious distress, clutching his hand.
He managed to stay on the court briefly but was unable to effectively defend Markkanen on the subsequent play. Davis finally exited the game with 2:08 left, leaving his team shorthanded for the closing stages.
Diagnosis and Potential Recovery Timeline
According to an ESPN report published on Friday, Davis underwent an MRI scan which revealed ligament damage in his left hand. The 32-year-old is now seeking a second medical opinion to determine the necessary course of action.
The report states that if surgery is required, it would likely end Davis's season prematurely. Even in a best-case scenario where an operation is avoided, the veteran big man is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks.
Major Implications for Mavericks' Trade Deadline Plans
The timing of this setback could not be worse for the Dallas front office. The NBA's trade deadline falls on 5th February, and ESPN sources indicate the Mavericks had been planning to actively shop Davis prior to the cut-off.
This serious injury now clouds those plans entirely, potentially leaving the franchise with a difficult decision regarding the future of one of its highest-paid players.
Davis, who will turn 33 in March, is in the first year of a lucrative deal. He is earning $54.1 million this season, with $58.5m due next year and a player option worth $62.8m for the 2027-28 campaign.
A Troubled Tenure in Dallas
Davis's time with the Mavericks has been brief and tumultuous. He arrived in a blockbuster and highly controversial trade that sent franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers less than a year ago.
His impact on the court has been limited, suiting up for just 29 total games in a Mavericks uniform—nine last season and 20 this year. When available, he has posted strong averages of 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game this season, but availability has now become the critical issue.
This injury represents a significant hurdle for both the player and the franchise, throwing their immediate competitive and strategic futures into doubt as the season approaches its crucial final phase.
