Key Points
- Anthony Davis grabbed his left knee during the third quarter of the Mavericks’ loss to the Thunder on Dec. 5, 2025, sparking concern.
- Davis returned for the fourth quarter and finished with 2 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in 24 minutes.
- Dallas continues to battle multiple injuries, including Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and P.J. Washington.
- Oklahoma City extended its winning streak to 14 games, defeating Dallas 132–111.
- Head coach Jason Kidd says the team will monitor Davis closely ahead of their next game against Houston.
Davis Scares Mavericks With Knee Issue in Loss to Thunder
The Dallas Mavericks endured another tense moment in an already injury‑plagued season when star forward Anthony Davis appeared to injure his left knee during a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 5. The incident occurred in the third quarter as Davis defended Thunder center Chet Holmgren, prompting immediate concern from teammates and fans.
Davis walked off the court under his own power but spent the final 6.5 minutes of the quarter on the bench with his knee wrapped.
Return to Action Brings Relief—but Performance Struggles Continue
Despite the scare, Davis returned at the start of the fourth quarter, offering a sigh of relief for a Mavericks team already trailing by 30 points. His impact, however, was limited.
Davis finished with:
- 2 points
- 8 rebounds
- 6 assists
- 1-of-9 shooting
- 0-of-2 from the free‑throw line
He didn’t score until a late-game layup. After the loss, Davis told reporters he felt “fine,” though his recent injury history remains a concern.
Injury Troubles Mount for Dallas
Davis has already missed roughly 15 games this season due to a left calf injury and other minor setbacks. His availability has been inconsistent since joining the Mavericks earlier in the year.
Dallas is also without several key contributors:
- Kyrie Irving — recovering from knee surgery
- Dereck Lively II — sidelined with foot swelling
- P.J. Washington — questionable with an ankle sprain
The mounting injuries have raised questions about the Mavericks’ ability to stay competitive in the Western Conference playoff race.
Thunder Extend Dominant Run
The Thunder capitalized on Dallas’ depleted roster, cruising to a 132–111 victory and extending their winning streak to 14 games.
Key Oklahoma City performances included:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — 33 points
- Chet Holmgren — 15 points
- Jalen Williams — 15 points
For Dallas, Jaden Hardy led with 23 points and five three‑pointers, while rookie Cooper Flagg added 16 points.
Jason Kidd Urges Caution With Davis
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd expressed relief that Davis was able to return but emphasized the need for caution.
“We’ll see how he feels tomorrow, but it’s always concerning when a player goes down like that,” Kidd said.
Dallas hosts the Houston Rockets the following night, and Davis’ status will be closely monitored.
What Happens Next?
With injuries piling up and the season’s pressure mounting, the Mavericks face a critical stretch. Their playoff hopes may hinge on Davis’ health and the timely return of key players. For now, the team will await further evaluation and hope their star forward avoids another setback.
