Brooklyn threw out a non-competitive lineup, starting players like Keon Johnson and Tyrese Martin, but they stayed within striking distance for most of the game. It was a good first game back for Davis so he can get his playing legs back under him, and we'll see if he's able to go on Tuesday night against the Knicks.

Anthony Davis had 2 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a block in 26 minutes in his return, a blowout victory over the Nets.

These are, of course, the post-Luka Dončić Mavericks we're talking about, so there's no such thing as pure optimism. While the victory over Brooklyn and the return of a mostly healthy Davis helped Dallas (35-37) move back into the No.