Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) celebrates after he dunks the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Anthony Davis makes history with monster first-quarter performance in Mavericks' debut

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Austin Veazey | Last updated Feb 8, 2025 3:57 PM ET

They say first impressions are everything. If that's the case, Anthony Davis made one heck of an impression in his debut for the Dallas Mavericks.

Davis came over in the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, much to the dismay of most Mavericks fans, but Davis is a special player, too. And he dominated in the first quarter against the Houston Rockets, putting up 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block.

According to the Mavericks PR, that's the first time in his career that Anthony Davis had a quarter like that, and he is the first player in the NBA this season to have those numbers in a quarter.

Anthony Davis ended the first quarter with 14 points (6-8 FG, 1-1 3FG), 8 rebounds, 3 assists and a block.

His 1st quarter display marked the 1st time he has accomplished that stat line in a quarter in his career. He is the 1st player with those numbers in a quarter this season. pic.twitter.com/gxisvPLskX
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) February 8, 2025

Not only was this Davis' first game as a Maverick, but it was also the team's first game back in Dallas since making the trade. There were protests outside of the arena hours before the game, but the fans inside of the arena gave Davis a warm welcome. It helped that he had as spectacular of a debut as he did.

Luka Doncic has yet to appear for the LA Lakers as he recovers from his calf strain. The plan had been for him to play today against the Indiana Pacers, but they pushed his debut with the team back to Monday against the Utah Jazz.