The basketball world was watching Wednesday night as Luka Dončić returned to Dallas and put on a performance for the ages. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar scored 45 points, his season high, on 16-of-28 shooting, 7-14 3PT, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals. He led the Lakers to a 112-97 win over the Mavericks.
This wasn’t just any game—it was a homecoming. With the pregame video and the chants of “Luka! Luka! Luka!” throughout American Airlines Center it was clear this night was all about Dončić.
A Pre-Game Video Tribute Fit for a Legend
Before the game, the Mavs honored Dončić with a two-minute video tribute during player introductions. The video showed his entire Dallas journey—his arrival as an 18-year-old phenom, leading the team to its first NBA Finals since 2011 and being the face of the franchise for over six years.
Dončić asked for a towel before the video started, knowing he’d get emotional. As the highlights of his time in Dallas played on the jumbotron, the former Maverick couldn’t hold back the tears. When the video ended, he wiped away his tears, hugged his teammates and got a standing ovation from the sold out crowd.
“It was just so many unexplained emotions,” Dončić said in an on-court ESPN interview after the game. “Everybody saw how I reacted to the video—all these fans, all the teammates I had, everybody had my back. I love these fans. I love this city, but it’s time to move on.”
Dončić Dominates Despite Emotional Weight
If there was any doubt about Dončić playing on an emotional night, he put those to rest right away. From the jump ball he was unstoppable.
In the first half alone he scored 31 points on 11-16 shooting, 6 threes in 18 minutes. His first 30 point half as a Laker and set the tone for what would be one of the games of his career.
“When I was watching that video I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game,’” Dončić said. “But my teammates had my back—they supported me and I really appreciate that.”
His final line of 45 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals not only won the game but also clinched a playoff spot. His 46th 40 point game of his career and another reminder he’s one of the best in the league.
Mavericks Fans Show Their Love—and Anger
The arena was electric but also angry. Many fans are still fuming at the front office for trading away their superstar in February. Throughout the game chants of “Fire Nico! Fire Nico!” towards GM Nico Harrison were loud.
To honor Dončić all fans were given shirts that said in Slovenian “Thanks for Everything”. Hundreds wore them along with their #77 jerseys, a sea of silver and blue, a perfect tribute to the player who gave them so many great memories.
The average ticket price for the game was $404 according to Vivid Seats, the highest priced regular season home game in Dallas since at least 2010. Clearly Dončić’s impact goes beyond the court.
Anthony Davis’ Quiet Night Against His Former Team
On the other side of the trade Anthony Davis faced his old team for the first time since joining the Mavericks. While Dončić stole the show, Davis had 13, 11 and 6 in 33 minutes. But it wasn’t enough to overcome Dončić.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Lakers are 49-31 and look playoff bound. They’ll host the Rockets next and try to solidify their seeding. Mavericks are 38-42 and will host the Raptors on Friday. Dallas’ season has been a disaster and fans are questioning the trade for Dončić. For now both teams can just enjoy a game that showcased one of the best players in the NBA.
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