Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis had 12 points and 5 rebounds in his first game in more than a month, but it wasn’t enough to slow down Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, who combined for 73 points to lead the Lakers to a 129-119 win Friday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Davis had missed 14 games over four weeks, a stretch in which Dallas went 3-11. This was his first matchup against the Lakers since the blockbuster February trade that sent Dončić to Los Angeles. He missed the Feb. 25 meeting at Crypto.com Arena — when the Lakers played a tribute video for him — because of an adductor strain. Davis entered Friday averaging 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds.
Despite his return, the Mavericks still found offense. Eight players scored in double figures, led by P.J. Washington’s 22 points and nine rebounds. Rookie Cooper Flagg recorded 13 points, seven rebounds and a career-high 11 assists.
Jason Kidd surprised early by starting two-way guard Ryan Nembhard, who finished with 17 points and four assists in his first NBA start. Naji Marshall led all bench scorers with 16 points and seven rebounds.
The Mavericks (5-15) fell to 1-3 in NBA Cup play, though they were already eliminated entering the game. The Lakers have now won all three matchups against Dallas since the Dončić trade.
Dallas continues its road trip Saturday against the Clippers.
