Davis Survives a Knee Knocker

Baron Davis on Tuesday returned to a competitive playing situation for the first time in eight months, practicing with the Bruins in a significant step in his recovery from a torn knee ligament.

Davis was predictably sluggish and out of shape, having been limited to non-contact work, but he reported no problems with the closely watched left leg. He even bumped knees with freshman Ray Young without any excessive pain.

“It was good getting out there and getting fouled and getting knocked down,” Davis said.

Said Coach Steve Lavin: “I thought he looked good. Right now, his conditioning and his confidence are the final two phases of rehabilitation.”

The chances that he can work on those phases Thursday against Santa Clara in the opener are slim. The decision still is not with Lavin, but doctors and the family.

“We haven’t had the official word ‘No,’ but we’re working under the assumption he won’t be there,” Lavin said.

Davis’ opportunity to play for the first time since the second round of the NCAA tournament will come a week later, against San Francisco in the opener of the Puerto Rico Shootout.