“I play basketball. This is what I get paid to do—is play basketball.” Anthony Davis said this after making his return to the hardwood. Davis wasn’t about to let injury speculation define his season. After an adductor strain kept him sidelined for weeks—and as the Mavericks struggled without him—talk surfaced that the 10-time All-Star might be shut down for good. But Davis wasn’t having any of it.

On Monday, he made his long-awaited return, helping Dallas cruise past the Brooklyn Nets with a 120-101 victory. In 27 minutes, he put up 12 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block, shaking off any doubts about his comeback. But Davis isn’t looking too far ahead—he’s taking things one step at a time. When asked about his fitness and comfort level post-injury, the Mavericks star kept it simple.

“I’ll just take one game at a time,” Davis said. “I’m not sure I’m a regular player. I feel good today. Um, I feel like I had a great game, you know, to be honest, I wasn’t trying to force anything.”

Davis emphasized that his main priority is improving with each game while ensuring Dallas keeps piling up wins.

“Every day, game by game, I’m only getting better and better,” he added. “Most important, we’re just trying to get the wins and stack points together, you know. Create some separation and gain on the guys in front of us.”

With Davis back in action, the Mavericks hope to build momentum and book the last play-in spot that they’re fighting for against the Suns. And one more good news is that his wish has been finally fulfilled.

AD has long preferred playing power forward, but during his time with the Lakers, he was often forced into the center position due to roster limitations. Now in Dallas, with Kai Jones playing center, Davis finally has the frontcourt balance he’s wanted for years.

When asked about playing alongside Jones, Davis highlighted how it shifts defensive attention and opens up options for the Mavericks.

“Um, not really for me, but I just put the defense in the barn,” Davis explained. “Are you going to step up and help, on me, and now he can drop off dunks, or, you’ll even Klay and PJ and all these guys in the corner—Spencer for threes. Um, or if you don’t step up in, you know, I’ll go finish.”

Having a true center like Jones allows Davis to operate in his preferred role at the four, a dynamic he didn’t have in Los Angeles. He praised Jones’ athleticism and ability to play above the rim.

“He actually almost hit his head on the backboard on the lob in the second half,” Davis said. “So very athletic, great around the rim, and he’s only getting better.”

For Davis, the change in scenery has brought a new sense of balance. With a traditional big man alongside him, he can thrive as a power forward—something he had pushed for in L.A. but never fully got.

And that balance was on full display Monday night.

Anthony Davis still needs time to be fully fit but makes his presence felt

With their superstar back, Dallas had a full 10-man rotation for the first time in weeks. There had been speculation about Davis suiting up during the four-game road trip, but the official report dropping just hours before tip-off still caught many off guard.

His presence alone seemed to breathe new life into the Mavericks. After weeks of grinding through games short-handed, Dallas looked like a team with its swagger back. Seven players hit double figures, feeding off the stability Davis provided. Whether or not people thought he should return this season, there was no denying his impact.

Davis wasn’t as explosive as he was in his February 8 debut, but he still made his presence felt. He set the tone early, knocking down two quick shots and playing within the offense. In 26 minutes, he worked primarily at the four, showing his versatility as a playmaker and mid-post threat.

Even without a three-pointer falling, he commanded defensive attention. His inside scoring and ability to stretch the floor opened up looks for Dallas’ shooters. On the other end, he gave the Mavericks something they’d lacked—rim protection. He grabbed six rebounds, blocked a shot, and forced the Nets to think twice before attacking the paint.

Davis wrapped up his night with 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting, easing his way back while proving he’s more than just a finisher. Dallas, desperate for size and depth, couldn’t have asked for a better boost.