The Mavericks’ Anthony Davis looks ‘heavy,’ must do more, Stephen A. Smith says
The Dallas Mavericks were blown out 125-92 in their season opener against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, and ESPN “First Take” commentator Stephen A. Smith was highly critical of forward Anthony Davis’ performance.
“Love AD. He can average 28 and 12 in his sleep,” Smith said on “First Take” on Thursday. “He still looked heavy, he didn’t look fast, he looked a bit slower. I’m looking at him, and I’m like, I need to see more because you’re the dude that they said it’s OK to trade Luka [Doncic] for.
“You’re that guy, and if you're that guy, you gotta be the dude you were in the first half of your first game as a Dallas Maverick after you got traded. You gotta be that dude all the time.”
Davis led the Mavs with 22 points, 13 rebounds two steals and a block in the opening game, but was overshadowed by Victor Wembanyama, who dominated en route to 40 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks in only 30 minutes.
Smith said he didn’t blame Davis for struggling with Wembanyama but said he needed to see something to let him know that Davis was ready to take the mantle for the Mavs, whom Smith previously picked to win the NBA title this season.
In the Mavericks’ second game of the season Friday, Davis led Dallas with 27 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks, but they fell 117-107 to the Washington Wizards at American Airlines Center.
The Mavericks next host the Toronto Raptors at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
This story was originally published October 23, 2025 at 3:42 PM.
