Prototypically, when a franchise acquires a player of Anthony Davis’ caliber, fans are chomping at the bit to see his eventual debut on the court. Of course, things are anything but protocol nowadays in Dallas.

The division and in-state rival Houston Rockets would be the opponents for this matchup, entering the game on a five-game losing streak. Anthony Davis made his Mavericks debut in this game, so Dallas was only missing Dereck Lively II, Dwight Powell, and Caleb Martin, while Houston was without starters Jabari Smith Jr. and Fred VanVleet.

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.