iStockphoto / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images/awel Kacperek
Washington Wizards star Anthony Davis in front of empty arena seats
Six-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis made his debut for the Washington Wizards this week after an 8-player trade with the Dallas Mavericks. He had a stellar debut in our nation’s capital, scoring 34 points in 34 minutes on the court with 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a block en route to the Wizards beating Milwaukee 128-116.
After the game, Anthony Davis was asked about his debut. The official attendance listed for the game was 18,805 fans in an arena with a 20,356 capacity but according to Anthony Davis it felt empty in there.
Anthony Davis Coins ‘Dress Like A Seat Night’ After Wizards Debut
Speaking with reporters, Davis touched on the attendance, or lack thereof. He told reporters “I’d like it to be a little more packed in there, but the crowd was great, they were into it, got us over the hump…Even when I was here last year, very first home game. It was like ‘Dress Like a Seat Night’ in here.”
Presumably, AD is not the first athlete in history to refer to an empty stadium as ‘Dress Like A Seat Night’ but he is probably the most famous and to my knowledge this is the first time the phrase has gone viral. Here is Anthony Davis speaking with reporters following his spectacular debut for the Wizards:
Anthony Davis with an unreal quote about the Wizards crowd.
“I’d like it to be a little more packed in there, but the crowd was great, they were into it, got us over the hump…Even when I was here last year, very first home game. It was like ‘Dress Like a Seat Night’ in here.” pic.twitter.com/pGQnXJ9O0s
— Bijan Todd (@bijan_todd) October 22, 2026
Prior to being traded to Washington, Davis had injured his hand on January 8th while still with the Dallas Mavericks. He then injured his finger on February 4th which shut him down in the NBA pre-season.
What’s Next For Washington?
If AD’s season debut is any indication, there is no rust. He came out shooting 11-20 from the field and made 11-14 of his free throws. Davis led all scorers on the court and heard ‘MVP’ chants from the Wizards fans who were in attendance.
This could be a spectacular fit for him if the team comes together. Trae Young also put up 20 points and 13 assists and that duo could be dangerous in the East.
The Wizards have not had a winning season since 2017-18 when they went 43-39. Washington has lost a combined 196 games in the past three season!
So it is not exactly as if the team has given fans in the D.C. area a lot of reasons to show up and support the team, but with Anthony Davis putting up numbers like he did in his season debut it could certainly pack the stands in the months ahead. The Wizards now face the Raptors at home on Friday night in hopes of starting the season 2-0.