Anthony Davis finished with 12 points in a 27-minute stint during his return from a left adductor strain as the Dallas Mavericks never trailed and took control early in a 120-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night.
Originally listed as doubtful, Davis was upgraded to questionable before returning for his second game since the seismic trade from the Los Angeles Lakers shortly before the trade deadline for Luka Doncic.
In his first action since getting hurt against the Houston Rockets on Feb. 8, Davis played in short bursts, shot 6-of-9 and helped the Mavericks (35-37) win consecutive games for the first time in over a month. Dallas went 6-12 since Davis got hurt.
Davis was among seven in double figures for Dallas, which shot 56.3 percent and scored 31 points off 18 turnovers.
Naji Marshall led the way with 22 points off the bench as Dallas saw its reserves finish with 55. PJ Washington and Spencer Dinwiddie added 16 apiece. Brandon Williams chipped in 15 while Kai Jones contributed 13 and Max Christie finished with 10.
Dinwiddie also added 12 of the Mavericks’ 34 assists.
Nic Claxton scored 19 points to lead the Nets (23-49), who lost their fourth straight and for the 15th time in 18 games. Cameron Johnson added 17 while Trendon Watford contributed 12 as the Nets shot 51.3 percent.
Davis played eight minutes in the opening quarter and scored six points as the Mavericks shot 61.9 percent for a 32-17 lead.
The Mavericks held a 39-24 lead after Davis played the opening 4:13 of the second. Davis returned for the final 1:56 of the quarter and Dallas held a 62-48 lead by halftime
Dallas held a 68-56 lead when Davis took another rest with 8:23 left in the third. The Mavericks had an 85-70 edge when Davis returned for the final 2:52 and Dallas took a 96-77 cushion into the fourth.
Davis took another break early in the fourth with Dallas holding a 101-84 lead. He returned for his final stint with 4:39 left after Dallas opened a 112-93 edge and hit his final basket to help finish it off.
