Tensions are running high in tonight’s Mavs vs Grizzlies encounter. In a season full of turmoil and adversity, the Dallas team somehow continues to remain hopeful. They avoided elimination on Wednesday by blowing out the Kings in their first Play-in encounter and jumping up a spot in the West standings. And they headed into tonight’s Grizzlies clash hoping for the same outcome and a spot in the playoffs. However, the night so far has not been too kind on Anthony Davis and Co.

Not only were they dominated by the home team in the first half, but Davis’ emotions got the better of him amid the early beatdown. Well, the Mavs finished the opening period trailing by 17 points. Seemingly frustrated by his team’s performance and dealing with groin issues, AD headed to the locker room before the halftime buzzer sounded. On his way, he reportedly had a heated exchange with a fan.

Although it’s unclear what was said between the two, AD had to be held back by the Mavs security officer as he tried to approach the trash-talking fan. Moreover, this was not the first time tonight that Davis lost control. Earlier in the game, he went face to face with Ja Morant after the Grizzlies star was fouled during a drive to the basket.

Unlike the courtside fan encounter, the mics caught the trash talk between Ja and Davis. With only a basketball separating the two, The Brow said to the highflyer, “I’d guard you though.” Ja responded, “Come on.” As the official separated the two superstars, AD continued chirping, “Yeah, you know I’m right here. You know I’m going nowhere. You know that!” While the level of intensity is understandable for an elimination game, the hoop community did not seem too fond of AD’s antics.

NBA World urges Anthony Davis to “pack it up” as Mavs turn into a “joke” after first half performance

Soon after the report of Davis’ fan altercation emerged, netizens began questioning his act. One wondered, “What’s the deal with Anthony Davis going to the locker room early chirping at the refs lol?” while another wrote, “Anthony Davis pressing a lot of fans outside lately. Shoulda taken out that anger on the team who traded you.” Yes, many believe Davis is still frustrated about getting abruptly traded to the Mavs in the middle of the season, and is letting his anger out on random fans. However, AD constantly claims to have moved on from Jeanie Buss and Co.’s betrayal.

NBA World also believes that Davis is not happy with his current situation. Comments like “Yeah Anthony Davis does not want to be in Dallas” and “Anthony Davis might as well pack it up!” began flooding in. Well, his frustration tonight was justified because the forward did everything he could to keep his team in the game. Out of the 49 points the Mavs scored in the first half, 22 were contributed by AD. Meanwhile, none of his teammates stepped up to support him and share the scoring load. The remaining starters combined for only twelve points in the first half. And that’s definitely not how Davis would have pictured his tenure going in Dallas.

One netizen even said, “What a joke this team has become.” Only last year, the Mavs were in the NBA Finals, looking like the next team up. But Nico Harrison’s one move changed the entire landscape of the franchise and Davis got caught in the middle of it all. Well, he has publicly claimed that he wants to build a future in Dallas and is even planning to buy a house there with his family. But if the Mavs do not show potential of returning to their winning ways next season, then AD might not hesitate looking for other options during the summer. So, the sword is hanging over Nico Harrison and Co., especially if their season ends tonight. Thoughts?