Emotional Return for Luka Doncic and Mavericks Fans in His First Game Back in Dallas Since Being Traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February
Luka Doncic delivered an emotional performance in his highly anticipated return to Dallas, scoring 31 of his 45 points in the first half, but the Los Angeles Lakers secured a playoff spot with a 112-97 victory over the Mavericks.
Doncic’s 46th career 40-point game on Wednesday was highlighted by eight rebounds, six assists, and an impressive shooting performance, going 16-of-28 from the field and 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. LeBron James added 27 points and seven rebounds, while Rui Hachimura chipped in with 15 points as the Lakers (49-31) strengthened their hold on the third seed in the Western Conference.
For Dallas, Naji Marshall led the way with 23 points and eight assists, PJ Washington scored 14, and Anthony Davis, playing his first game for the Mavericks against his former team, finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. The loss leaves Dallas (38-42) needing one more win to secure the final play-in spot in the West.
Doncic, who was traded from Dallas to Los Angeles in a blockbuster deal involving Anthony Davis on February 2, was visibly moved during a pregame video tribute. He received thunderous applause when his name was announced in the starting lineup. Doncic, who holds a franchise record with an average of 28.6 points over 422 games for Dallas, was greeted with cheers from the crowd throughout the game, especially early on.
Despite Doncic’s 14 first-quarter points, the Mavericks took a 30-26 lead at the end of the period, thanks in part to five Lakers turnovers. Doncic dominated the second quarter, hitting three three-pointers and scoring 17 of his team’s 34 points, helping the Lakers take a 60-57 lead into halftime.
LeBron James, who had a quiet first half with just eight points, came alive in the third quarter, helping the Lakers extend their lead to 78-65. Marshall’s individual efforts kept Dallas in the game, trimming the deficit to 83-76 by the end of the third.
Max Christie’s tip-dunk briefly put the Mavericks ahead 84-83, but their lead was short-lived as James led a 9-0 run in less than 90 seconds, putting the Lakers firmly in control. Doncic’s step-back three-pointer and a strong drive extended the lead to 110-94 before he was subbed out with 1:34 remaining to a standing ovation.
Both teams will close out their regular-season home schedules on Friday night, with the Mavericks hosting Toronto and the Lakers taking on Houston.
Photo Caption: Luka Doncic, #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers, drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on April 9, 2025, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. [Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images via AFP]
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