Max Christie reacts to the unfortunate news of Anthony Davis’ injury

Every time Dallas Mavericks Fans are wondering how much worse the Luka Doncic trade could be, it looks like the basketball gods are kicking them in the gut. Anthony Davis suffered a hand injury and he could miss months, severely damaging the team’s playoff aspirations and significantly limiting the trade value of the star big man. Fans still get sick when they see their former franchise cornerstone in the Purple and Gold, but all they can do now is try to find a glimmer of light in the pit of darkness.

The second player who came with Davis in last February’s blockbuster could provide a valuable source of hope in the coming years. Max Christie is developing into an effective contributor in his first full season with the Mavericks, scoring 16 points or more in four of his last five games. His role in the attack could increase even more Davis’s latest failure.

Christie is committed to helping Dallas navigate another landmine, but he knows as well as anyone in the Mavs locker room how devastating this news is for number 3.

“Unfortunately, obviously,” the 2022 second-round pick told reporters Saturday, per Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. “We want to be able to have him on the floor as much as possible just because of how dominant he is and how good he is for us. But that’s the Next Man Up mentality and that’s just the way the NBA works with injuries and we’ve just got to be able to work through it and keep trying to win.”

Max Christie on his reaction to Anthony Davis’ injury:

“Unfortunately, obviously. We want to be able to have him on the floor as much as possible just because of how dominant he is and how good he is for us. But that’s the Next Man Up mentality and that’s just the way the NBA works with… pic.twitter.com/gDKSSea031M

— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) January 10, 2026

Max Christie spent over two years in LA with Anthony Davis before the two of them were traded to the Mavericks along with the 2029 first-rounder. He’s seen the four-time All-NBA first-team selection struggle with various injuries, so he’s likely especially sympathetic. Although, according to Christie, Davis doesn’t let this career-long trend affect his demeanor.

“He does a good job of never getting too high, never getting too low,” the 22-year-old said. “He always stays level-headed and his presence around us, even when he’s not on the floor, is obviously great.”

The Mavs (14-24) know all too well what it’s like to compete without Davis. Since arriving in town nearly a year ago, he’s logged just 29 games. Perhaps Dallas will be inspired to make a play for the future Hall of Fame center because of his latest injury woes. Christie should be especially motivated, as he returns to his home state for Saturday’s clash with the Chicago Bulls (17-20).