Anthony Davis' Return Boosts Mavericks' Playoff Hopes with Win Over Nets

After missing 18 games, Davis contributed 12 points in a vital victory as Dallas moves ahead in the play-in race.

Anthony Davis returned to the Dallas Mavericks' lineup after a six-week absence, playing 24 minutes and recording 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in a 120-101 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
The Mavericks' defense saw significant improvement with Davis on the court, holding the Nets to just 48 points in the first half—only the second time Dallas has done so since his injury.
The victory moved Dallas half a game ahead of the Phoenix Suns for the 10th seed in the Western Conference play-in race, with the Suns facing a difficult remaining schedule.
Davis, who was acquired in a February trade for Luka Doncic, has been on a minutes restriction and may sit out the second game of a back-to-back against the New York Knicks.
Despite injuries to key players like Kyrie Irving, Davis expressed his commitment to returning and helping his undermanned team compete during a challenging stretch of the season.