Dallas Mavericks fans hadn`t seen Luka Dončić play in their arena for two months, but they finally did when the Los Angeles Lakers visited. Unfortunately for them, he was wearing a Lakers jersey this time. Dončić, a five-time All-Star, led the Lakers to a 112-97 victory over the Mavericks with an impressive 45-point performance. This was his highest score as a Laker, bringing the team closer to securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
The game was charged with emotion for everyone involved. For Dončić, it was a return to a city he loved and didn`t want to leave. For the fans, it was a chance to show appreciation for a player they wished was still on their team. And for the Mavericks, it was a night they would rather forget. Here’s what key figures from Wednesday`s game said after the Lakers` memorable win.
Dončić Expresses Gratitude to Mavericks Fans, Embraces New Chapter
The significance of the moment was clear to Dončić even before the game started. When the Mavericks played a tribute video for him during the starting lineup announcements, he was seen trying to hide his tears. Fans gave him a standing ovation and cheered throughout the night, showing the strong connection between player and fan base. However, Dončić is now a Laker. Despite his love for Dallas, he is looking forward to the future.
“Everyone saw my reaction to the video,” Dončić said in a post-game interview. “I really appreciate all the fans. And all my former teammates, everyone supported me. I’m just happy. I love these fans, and I love this city. But it’s time to move on. I came here as an 18-year-old kid, not knowing what to expect from the NBA. They made me feel at home and I have many great memories.”
Dončić admitted that after watching the video, he doubted he could even play the game. But he quickly got into the flow, scoring 14 points in the first quarter.
“I don’t know how I did it,” Dončić said. “When I was watching the video, I thought, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game.’ But my teammates supported me.”
For Mavericks fans who are upset, the reality is Dončić is now a Laker, and that won`t change. For him, this game was a form of closure, marking the end of this regular season and allowing him to move past his Dallas years. His focus is now on the playoffs, which the Lakers secured a spot in with Wednesday’s victory.
Lakers Coach Jests About Dončić`s Performance
Dončić`s performance on Wednesday was outstanding. He scored 31 points in the first half and secured the win for the Lakers with crucial baskets in the fourth quarter. Most people in the arena were amazed by his play. But his coach, JJ Redick, jokingly suggested he expected even more.
“I thought he was going to score 50,” Redick told reporters after the game. “I was disappointed.”
Many watching might have secretly hoped for 50 points. The NBA record for points scored in a player`s first road game against their former team is 50, set by John Williamson of the Nets against the Pacers in 1978. Seeing Dončić break that record would have added to the Mavericks` pain.
Ultimately, Dončić scored 45 points, delivering an excellent performance, though not a record-breaking one.
LeBron James Reflects on Reunion Games
LeBron James is very familiar with “superstar returns home” games. He experienced it as a villain in 2010 when he returned to Cleveland after joining the Miami Heat, and as a hero in 2018 when he returned as a Laker after fulfilling his promise of bringing a championship to Cleveland. This time, he watched Dončić`s moment as a teammate and enjoyed it.
“It was really cool to be part of that moment,” James said to reporters after the game. “You could see the emotions on Luka’s face. It was an incredible moment, something I won`t forget. This kid had almost seven amazing seasons here, growing from a kid to a man. Seeing it all come together today was pretty special.”
Mavericks Coach`s Comparison Misses the Mark
The Mavericks` public relations have struggled since trading Dončić. From anonymous leaks about his fitness to comments from Patrick Dumont and Nico Harrison, much of what has been said has drawn criticism. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd continued this trend with an odd comparison before Wednesday’s game.
“Someone compared it to Babe Ruth,” Kidd mentioned, “which is kind of cool.”
However, the Babe Ruth comparison is more fitting for the Lakers. They are like the Yankees, the team that acquired the superstar. The Mavericks are more like the Red Sox, the team that let him go. The Red Sox then endured an 86-year World Series drought. This is not the history Dallas wants to repeat or be associated with.
Jasper Hawthorne