Mavericks’ Anthony Davis suffers left hand injury

Mavericks star big man Anthony Davis suffered a left hand injury late in Thursday’s two-point loss at Utah, an issue that forced him out during the closing minutes.

The injury appeared to occur while Davis was defending Lauri Markkanen on a drive late in the fourth quarter.

Despite clearly being in discomfort, Davis initially told the bench he could remain in the game, according to Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News.

He later checked out with 2:08 remaining and did not return. Tim MacMahon of ESPN reported that Davis was doubled over in pain in the arena tunnel.

“He hurt his left hand. That’s all we had,” coach Jason Kidd said afterward.

Davis finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists in 35 minutes as Dallas fell to 14-24 on the season. The Mavericks were already shorthanded and could not afford another late-game setback.

Dallas also lost guard Brandon Williams to illness during the game. Williams exited early and was limited to two points in just under nine minutes.

He had been a bright spot recently, scoring in double figures in five straight games while averaging 19.0 points over that span.

The Mavericks did not immediately provide an update on Davis’ status.