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Anthony Davis waited a season for his Wizards debut and heard MVP chants in minutes
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- Anthony Davis waited a season for his Wizards debut and heard MVP chants in minutes
Anthony Davis waited a season for his Wizards debut and heard MVP chants in minutes originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Anthony Davis had waited months to play a meaningful basketball game, and Washington Wizards fans had waited even longer for a reason to feel genuinely excited about their team. On Wednesday night, both sides finally received what they had been missing.
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Davis made his long-awaited Wizards debut against the Milwaukee Bucks and immediately reminded everyone why he remains one of basketball's most talented big men. The 33-year-old finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two steals, leading Washington to a 128-116 victory.
But the most memorable part of the evening might have happened before the first quarter was over.
With Davis already dominating around the basket, fans inside Capital One Arena began chanting "MVP." The reaction came less than one full quarter into his Washington career, creating a remarkable welcome for a player who had not even been able to suit up after joining the organization the previous season.
Washington fans didn't wait to embrace their new star
The Wizards acquired Davis during the 2025-26 season, but injuries prevented him from making an appearance with his new team. Washington also brought in Trae Young, creating the foundation for a roster that suddenly had significantly more star power.
However, Davis' injury history and the franchise's recent struggles created uncertainty about how quickly the new-look Wizards could become competitive.
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Washington had won only 50 games combined over the previous three seasons, leaving supporters desperate for meaningful improvement.
Davis wasted little time providing encouragement. He scored 10 points in the opening quarter, repeatedly attacking Milwaukee's defense and establishing himself as the most dangerous player on the floor.
The MVP chants began with more than four minutes remaining in the first period, an extraordinary reaction for someone making his first appearance in a Wizards uniform.
The enthusiasm continued as Davis helped Washington remain competitive during the middle portions of the game.
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Davis took over when Washington needed him most
The Wizards struggled with their perimeter shooting for much of the evening, making it difficult to consistently generate offense against Milwaukee.
Davis responded with a dominant third quarter, scoring 18 of Washington's 39 points during the period. His ability to finish around the basket, draw fouls and convert midrange opportunities kept the Wizards within striking distance.
Washington eventually seized control with a 21-2 run early in the fourth quarter, transforming a competitive contest into a double-digit victory.
Davis finished 10-of-19 from the field and 11-of-14 from the free-throw line, providing an efficient offensive performance despite the lengthy absence.
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Young added 20 points and 13 assists, offering an encouraging glimpse of how the two veterans might work together throughout the season.
The point guard was particularly enthusiastic about Davis' performance afterward, explaining that he wanted to help his new teammate compete for the league's MVP award.
That statement might sound ambitious after one regular-season game, but it demonstrated the confidence Washington's players have in their new star.
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A remarkable debut comes with one enormous question
Davis' talent has rarely been the subject of serious debate. When healthy, he remains capable of dominating games offensively and defensively, combining elite size with scoring touch and shot-blocking instincts.
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The biggest uncertainty is whether he can remain available throughout a demanding NBA season.
Injuries limited Davis to just 29 combined games over the previous two seasons, making his return to regular-season action particularly significant.
One outstanding performance cannot erase those concerns, but Wednesday offered an encouraging starting point. Davis looked comfortable, aggressive and emotionally invested in his new surroundings.
He also appeared genuinely appreciative of the reception from Washington fans.
The veteran acknowledged afterward that he had not played a real game in nine months and described the experience as emotional. The atmosphere inside Capital One Arena clearly made an impression on him.
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For a franchise that has endured several difficult seasons, the excitement was understandable.
The Wizards finally have something to build around
Washington's opening-night victory does not guarantee a playoff appearance, much less a championship run. The Wizards still need to establish consistency, develop chemistry and determine how their younger players fit alongside Davis and Young.
There is also uncertainty surrounding Davis' long-term future. He could become a free agent after the season, meaning Washington must consider both its immediate competitiveness and the organization's longer-term direction.
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For now, however, the Wizards have something they have lacked for much of their recent history: a superstar capable of taking over a game and giving fans a reason to believe.
Wednesday's performance was a reminder that even a struggling franchise can experience a dramatic change in atmosphere when the right player arrives.
Davis did not need several months to win over Washington's fans. He barely needed several minutes.
The MVP chants might have been premature, but the excitement behind them was unmistakable.
