The Dallas Mavericks are finding their rhythm just in time, driven by the return of Anthony Davis from an extended absence due to a left adductor strain. His presence on the court has revitalized a team plagued by injuries and inconsistency earlier in the season. While Davis is being gradually reintroduced to action, his impact has been immediate,highlighted by a critical 34-point performance in a narrow 120-118 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
The Mavericks have won four of the five games Davis has played since his return, lending credence to his assertion that the team can be dominant when healthy. “We know how dominant we can be when we are healthy and available,” Davis said postgame. “It’s just about us going out there and enforcing our dominance.”
Shaquille O’Neal locks himself in his makeup room and records a video
However, the spotlight didn’t end with Davis. The Mavericks have also welcomed back Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II in recent days, adding depth to their frontcourt. While this trio has had limited time together, Mark Cuban, the Mavericks’ former owner and perennial headline-maker, offered a striking declaration about their potential.
Appearing on “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” Cuban stated: “The truth is between AD, Dereck Lively, and Daniel Gafford, that’s the best big three in the NBA, but Luka Doncic is a generational talent.”
The support is real
Cuban’s bold statement has left fans and analysts debating its merit, particularly given the trio’s limited time on the floor together and ongoing injury concerns. Whether Cuban intended to refer to them as the best overall “big three” or the best “big-man big three,” his confidence reflects the renewed optimism surrounding Dallas.
The Mavericks, currently ninth in the Western Conference standings, are holding onto a spot in the play-in tournament. As they prepare to face the Los Angeles Clippers tonight, the team aims to solidify their position and build momentum for a deep postseason run.
With a healthier roster and Davis finally hitting his stride, Dallas might just be finding their path back to relevance, bold claims and all. As the league watches their progress, the question remains whether this big three can truly live up to Cuban’s vision and turn promise into sustained success.
