The Dallas Mavericks entered their Monday night clash against the Denver Nuggets with a 6-15 record, which puts them at 12th place in the loaded Western Conference. While qualifying for the playoffs remains a long-shot for this team, the Mavericks aren't without hope. After all, Anthony Davis recently returned from a calf strain that kept him out for 14 consecutive games, and he was back in action against the Nuggets after sitting out their Saturday night contest against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Davis at least fortifies their interior defense, and he gives them a source of easy buckets on the interior as well. He certainly comes in handy in a matchup against Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. But it's Davis' tendency to pick up minor knocks here and there that makes relying on him a bit scary, especially as he ages.

On Monday, Davis suffered an injury scare against the Nuggets. With the clock winding down in the second quarter, the Mavericks star went up for a putback slam over Jokic to give his team a two-point lead. However, in the process of slamming down the basketball, he ended up jamming his finger up against the rim, holding onto it as he made his way down the court.

An injury to Davis that's unrelated to his past calf or groin troubles should at least give the Mavericks reason to breathe a sigh of relief. But it's certainly not the best thing in the world for Davis to pick up another knock that could affect his availability — which could then put a damper on his trade value and an even bigger roadblock for the Mavs moving forward.

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Mavericks are trading blows with the Nuggets

Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard (9) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Considering how much the Mavericks have struggled this season, not too many expected them to put up this good of a fight against the Nuggets, especially on the road. Cooper Flagg is coming into his own, and Davis has been productive, as he usually is when healthy. But it's Ryan Nembhard who's stealing the show, as he currently has 27 points to lead all scorers in a close game in the third quarter.

Perhaps this Mavs team has a bit of life in it — so long as Davis remains healthy.