Ladies and gentlemen, gather around for the Shakespearean tragedy that was the Dallas Mavericks’ Play-In game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Spoiler alert: it didn’t end well. And by “didn’t end well,” we mean Anthony Davis limped to the bench, Nico Harrison gave a side-eye that could launch a thousand memes, and the “Curse of the Don” proved it’s not just real—it’s vengeful. Welcome to the final chapter of a Mavericks season that played out like a badly written soap opera. There was heartbreak, betrayal, injuries, and now… elimination.

Before the game against the Grizzlies even began, Anthony Davis was already warmed up, but it was said “to be decided” whether he will play or not. Well, the man dropped 40 points on the Grizzlies with one leg, half a groin, and a questionable lower back. Watching him out there, pushing through, only to eventually have to leave the game, was tough to see. The game itself? Well, the Mavericks didn’t exactly come out strong. They were down early, and you could sense the frustration, especially from AD. There was even that incident with the fan at halftime, which is never a good sign. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies were playing really well, making it look almost easy.

And as he limped off, who else but GM Nico Harrison was caught giving the most viral side-eye of the season? That look said: “I traded Luka Doncic for this?” The departure of Luka Doncic undeniably initiated a steep decline for the Mavericks. This is evident with a contrasting record of 13 wins and 20 losses following the trade, a significant downturn from their pre-trade standing of 26 wins and 23 losses.

Anthony Davis, the centerpiece of the trade, suffered an injury in his very first game, sidelining him for an extended period and ultimately hobbling him in the crucial Play-In game. Kyrie Irving, the team’s remaining star, also succumbed to a season-ending ACL tear shortly after Doncic’s exit, further crippling their offensive capabilities. The team’s overall performance suffered across key metrics, including win percentage, points per game, and offensive rating, stark struggles without Doncic’s talent and playmaking. If this doesn’t scream, “Curse of the Don,” then what does?

Dallas vs. Memphis, April 19, 2025. A Play-In showdown to decide who gets fed to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Round 1. You’d think the Mavericks would show up with some urgency. But by the end of the first quarter, they were down 39–24, and AD was already glaring at fans like someone switched his recovery protein with expired milk.

At halftime, Davis reportedly had a heated exchange with a courtside fan. Nobody knows what was said, but it probably wasn’t “Good game, sir.” Davis had to be held back by Mavericks security. You know your season’s cooked when your franchise player is getting into it with fans… while actively injured.

Meanwhile, Ja Morant and Desmond Bane were doing the Cha-Cha Slide all over the Mavericks’ defense. Each dropped 22 points, while Jaren Jackson Jr. casually put up 24. The Grizzlies were so comfortable, they could’ve streamed the second half live on Twitch.

Anthony Davis’ medical files: Fraught fortunes

Let’s rewind. AD’s groin injury isn’t new. It first popped up (no pun intended) on February 8—his Mavs debut. It was a non-contact injury against Houston, and people immediately panicked. After six weeks out and a stint with the Texas Legends for rehab, Davis made his return on March 24. Since then, he’s played through more pain than a 2000s emo album.

And yet, somehow, he has been electric. He had a game-winner against Atlanta with one eye and another absurd performance against Toronto with a triple-double that included 7 blocks in 31 minutes. Still, it was always a question of “when,” not “if,” something would go wrong. And it came full circle—injured in his first game, limping off in his last. The Mavericks’ season ended on the 77th day since they traded away Luka. You can’t make this stuff up. The Curse of the Don is real.

Last year: the Mavericks were in the NBA Finals. This year: they’re watching from Cancun. The Luka-to-Lakers trade was bold. The AD trade? Bolder. Kyrie Irving‘s lingering injuries and the addition of Klay Thompson (who chipped in a quiet 18) never quite gelled. Chemistry? Not even Walter White could’ve fixed it.

This loss wasn’t just a defeat—it was symbolic. A franchise trying to rewrite its story ended up repeating its most painful chapters.

The Grizzlies move on to face the OKC Thunder. As for the Mavericks? It’s back to the drawing board. Again. They now hold the NBA record for Most Injuries in a Single Season (not officially, but spiritually).

And poor Anthony Davis—one of the most talented bigs of this generation—walks (or hobbles) into another offseason filled with uncertainty. The man gave it his all. His groin gave even more. At this point, the Mavericks might want to start wrapping their players in bubble wrap. Or sell the entire American Airlines Center. Maybe both.