Anthony Davis had NBA fans doing a double-take Thursday night after another injury scare popped up during the Mavericks’ matchup with the Utah Jazz.
Late in the game, with just over three minutes left, Davis got switched onto Lauri Markkanen as the Jazz rookie drove toward the rim. The play kept moving, but Davis didn’t. Cameras caught him drifting away from the action while grabbing his left hand, and that was all it took for social media to light up.
The moment instantly dragged Nico Harrison back into the conversation. Fans were quick to remember the former Mavericks GM’s decision to move on from Luka Dončić and bring Davis to Dallas instead — a trade that’s only grown louder every time Davis hits the floor.
@KuttBet didn’t mince words, posting, “This is Nico Harrison’s legacy.”
This is Nico Harrison’s legacy.
— Kutt – The Social Betting Platform (@KuttBet) January 9, 2026

Others questioned whether the risk was ever worth it.
@ZinkyT232 asked, “Was Nico aware that his nickname was street clothes before he traded for him? Legit curious.”
And some fans were already done with the discussion entirely.
@stakit_live wrote, “He actually is so washed.”
For now, Dallas hasn’t offered much clarity. Jason Kidd confirmed after the game that Davis injured his left hand, but no further details were shared. Even with the late scare, Davis finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. It still wasn’t enough, as the Jazz escaped with a 116–114 win.
“I’m gonna need a receipt for that injury”: NBA fans skeptical on Anthony Davis’ injury against the Jazz
Not everyone buying into the panic actually believes Davis is hurt.
As the clips circulated, skepticism started to outweigh sympathy, with fans questioning whether the injury was legit or something else entirely.

@joshuapark2391 demanded proof, saying, “I’m gonna need a receipt for that injury. Xrays/MRI scan to prove he got injured.”
Others tied it back to contract and trade speculation.
@JaseHardy suggested, “Dude wants a super max and isn’t gonna get one, but is doing anything to lower his trade value so he stays in Dallas lol.”
And @NDallasVandals compared the moment to scripted drama, adding, “In wrestling they call this a sell.”
Whether it turns into a real absence or just another scare, Davis’ brief moment on the sideline was enough to reopen every old debate — about durability, value, and whether Dallas knew exactly what it signed up for.

For more sports content:
Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for your NBA and college basketball reading fix. You can reach out to Dan Agulto through email at papadanph@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
