Under-the-radar Mavericks reality is priming Anthony Davis for playoff domination

On Wednesday night, the Dallas Mavericks shocked the world when they traveled to Sacramento to take on the Kings in a win-or-go-home Play-In Tournament game. From the first few minutes of the contest, it was clear Dallas came out of the gates with an intensity fans hadn't seen before.

In the second quarter alone, the Mavericks outscored the Kings 44-19 in an amazing display of defense and shooting the lights out from behind the 3-point line. Klay Thompson even reminded fans of what his potential could be throughout the playoffs with an amazing 16-point display before the half ended.

In addition to Thompson's brilliance in the second quarter, Brandon Williams impressed many basketball fans with his ability to get to the rim with speed and agility. Williams not only played well but also established himself as the main offensive creator off the bench for Dallas.

Despite multiple Mavericks stepping up on the biggest stage, Anthony Davis perhaps had the best performance of the night with his 27 points and nine rebounds. Davis flashed his playoff intensity to fans, and it couldn't have come at a better time as the Mavericks prepare for yet another win-or-go-home game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.

Destiny says Anthony Davis will dominate the playoffs

Dallas may not be the favorite against a loaded Grizzlies roster that is led by players like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., but after recent coaching changes and many off-court issues, the Mavericks could once again shock the world and crack the NBA Playoffs and secure the eighth seed.

While many matchups may be in favor of the Grizzlies in fans' eyes, Davis has proven to be the ultimate Jackson Jr. dominator in big games. In Davis's last two performances against the Grizzlies, which Jackson Jr. played in, Davis dominated for a combined 61 points and 30 rebounds.

Davis's size and athleticism have proven to be the difference-maker throughout every game these two have played against each other. To make matters worse for the Grizzlies, Davis flashed his three-ball against the Kings, which will only spread the floor more for Dallas cutters if he can hit these shots consistently.

Keeping Jackson Jr. off the low blocks and away from the help side due to Davis's outside shot may be all the difference Kidd and the Mavericks need to walk out of Memphis with a win.

This may not seem like a huge advantage to some fans, but considering the recent coaching changes Memphis has had to make, this could be a game that comes down to coaching and matchups. With Davis likely primed for a dominant performance, the Mavericks may be in safe hands as they inch their way closer to the eighth seed.

Assuming the Mavericks follow up their amazing performance against the Kings and make quick work of the Grizzlies, Dallas could be in store for a surprising first-round matchup. By no means will Dallas be favored in even one game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but they could be riding a wave of momentum that nets them a few games against their rival.

Another good game tonight from Davis would give him some confidence heading into Dallas' series against the Thunder (assuming they win), and an all-time series from Davis would be exactly what the Mavericks need to take down the 68-win Goliath. Davis is motivated to show Mavericks fans that he is one of the best bigs in the NBA, and a little bit of belief in the NBA Playoffs can go a long way.

While fans can practically taste the playoffs, Dallas still needs to get past the Grizzlies, who have given them trouble in the past. If Davis can dominate his matchup on both ends of the court, the Mavericks may have enough in the tank to beat the Grizzlies and capture the eighth seed.