On the heels of perhaps, the craziest week in Dallas Mavericks history, there was a game to be played yesterday in Dallas for the first time since the trade that rocked the NBA world and the MFFL faithful.
As you can imagine, the scene outside the arena was full of MFFL's letting their voices be heard in the form of protests geared towards Mavs ownership and especially targeting one Nico Harrison. Inside the arena, Anthony Davis and Max Christie were preparing for their first action in front of Mavericks fans and they admittedly didn't know what to expect from the fans.
Protests aside, Mavericks faithful rightfully welcomed Anthony Davis and Max Christie with open arms and it didn't take long for them to understand just what Anthony Davis is about.
How's this for a first quarter?
14 POINTS 8 REBOUNDS
3 ASSISTS
1 BLOCK
and one empathic moment that let Mavericks fans know that Anthony Davis had arrived.
Anthony Davis was emphatic in his play and what his presence meant for the Mavericks especially on the defensive end was especially electric. The Mavericks set a team record with 18 blocked shots, 3 of those by AD. It was also noteworthy how the entire Mavericks team seemed to increase their defensive energy following their new stars lead.
Davis was dominant and although he suffered an injury scare in the second half, one that he says is nothing to worry about, it was clear that Davis has the ability to be a dominant force for the rest of this season for the Mavs.
Not only was Davis dominant, but trade "throw in" Max Christie continued his strong play after the trade with another strong effort. Since the trade, Christie has played in three games, scoring 15, 15, and 23 respectively while shooting a blistering 8-12 from three and showing the ability to play lock down defensive on the perimeter.
Not bad for a throw in.
Yesterday's game was exciting and cathartic and in many ways represented the first step forward, a step towards healing. The vibes were heading in the right direction and that's when Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont felt it time to open his mouth.
Speaking for the first time on record with Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News, Dumont had plenty to stay and started with a half hearted attempt to empathize with the fans of his team.
Dumont, showing how little he understands about the NBA and the Mavericks and their fans, had plenty more to say in his discussion but perhaps nothing was more inflammatory than him doubling down on how culture ultimately impact the decision making when it came to this trade.
This is infuriating as a fan, especially after yesterdays events had signaled that perhaps there was a way forward.
Now, I may be in the minority here, but I firmly believe not only is there a way forward but moving forward is the only option we have.
We can rightfully sit and further question Mavericks ownership.
We can continue to protest Nico and let our rightful anger be heard. These things aren't bad inherently. But there is one thing we have to come to terms with as my Step-Daughter graciously pointed out to me at breakfast today.
No number of protests or angry tweets is going to change ANYTHING. Luka is gone and he isn't coming back. Patrick Dumont is the Governor of the Mavericks and will be for a long time and at least in the near term, Nico isn't going anywhere. They have given us their reason and they are standing on it no matter how flawed it may be.
This doesn't mean we have to like it, but the Mavericks are still a very good basketball team with a chance to do something special this year.
So while it's certainly valid to still be angry, I hope that Mavs fans collectively can find a way to start moving forward. Let's not give Nico or the Dumont's the Adelson's any more of our energy, lets save that for our team.
After all, Anthony Davis is here now and if yesterday is an indication, he's going to be worth watching.
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