As first impressions go, the predominant takeaway from Anthony Davis’ inaugural 30:57 of court time as a Maverick is that it was wow-filled and hope-inducing, punctuated by his unforgettable follow-slam and “I’m here!” pronouncement. “Just a friendly reminder of who Anthony Davis is,” he said afterward.

The Dallas Mavericks kicked off their new era with a dominant victory over the Houston Rockets, signaling a shift in their sports project. After the game, Anthony Davis addressed the team's championship aspirations,

Anthony Davis faced the media for the first time as a member of the Dallas Mavericks, days after the Los Angeles Lakers traded him to the Mavs as part of a package for Luka Doncic. Davis, 31, has been an NBA All-Star 10 times and an All-NBA player five times.