Anthony Davis is making headlines again—this time for a jaw-dropping return to the court just months after undergoing surgery for a detached retina and being at the center of one of the NBA’s most shocking trades in recent memory.
Davis Drops 26 Points in Dallas Debut
On October 27, 2025,
Anthony Davis delivered a commanding performance for the Dallas Mavericks, racking up 26 points and 11 rebounds against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This game marked his first major appearance since a turbulent offseason that saw him traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to Dallas in a blockbuster deal involving Luka Dončić.
Fans and analysts alike were glued to the action, eager to see how Davis would mesh with his new teammates and whether he could return to form after his recent health scare.
The Shocking Trade: Davis for Dončić
The NBA world was rocked earlier this year when news broke that the Mavericks had traded
Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and other assets. The move was widely debated, with many questioning whether Dallas was taking too big a risk on Davis, given his injury history.
But the Mavericks’ front office made it clear: they believe Davis, when healthy, is a generational talent who can anchor their defense and provide elite scoring alongside their young core.
Playing Through Pain: The Detached Retina Saga
Perhaps even more remarkable than the trade itself is the revelation that
Davis played through a detached retina after the trade deadline last season. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Davis underwent a procedure to repair the injury during the offseason—a testament to his toughness and commitment to his team.
Detached retina injuries are no joke; they can threaten a player’s vision and career if not treated promptly. That Davis not only played through the pain but also returned to elite form so quickly has left fans and medical experts impressed.
What This Means for the Mavericks—and the NBA
With Davis healthy and motivated, the Mavericks are suddenly a team to watch in the Western Conference. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor gives Dallas a new dimension, especially as they look to build chemistry and make a deep playoff run.
For the Lakers, the arrival of Luka Dončić signals a new era in Los Angeles, but it’s Davis’ resilience and immediate impact in Dallas that’s stealing the spotlight this week.
Takeaways and What’s Next
-
Anthony Davis is back—and better than ever—after eye surgery and a high-profile trade.- The Mavericks’ gamble appears to be paying off, at least in the early going.
- All eyes will be on Dallas as the season unfolds, with Davis’ health and performance a key storyline to watch.
If Davis can stay healthy, the Mavericks may have pulled off one of the most daring and successful trades in recent NBA history.
Sources
1. Anthony Davis (26 PTS 11 REB) vs. Oklahoma City | October 27, 2025
2. Anthony Davis undergoes procedure to repair detached retina
3. Anthony Davis - Wikipedia
4. Anthony Davis Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic trade contract player ...
5. Lakers Anthony Davis 'made clear' he wants to play with another ...
6. Blog | Anthony Davis | British broadcaster, journalist, voiceover.
7. Luka Dončić Traded For Anthony Davis In Three-Team Deal - HOT 97
8. 2025 NBA mock draft: Projecting all 59 picks post-lottery - ESPN
