Luka Doncic lit up Dallas with 33 points as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Mavericks 116-110. It was a night heavy with emotion, noise, and personal milestones.
The Slovenian also delivered 11 assists and grabbed eight rebounds in a commanding display. It marked his second game in Dallas since being traded last February.
“It’s a special place,” Doncic told ESPN of his return to Dallas.
“I’m always going to want to win no matter what.”
“Every game I want to win, but obviously this one’s a little bit different.” Those words echoed throughout an arena that once called him home.
Doncic drained two three-pointers in the first quarter to make history. At 26, he became the youngest player to reach 1,500 NBA three-pointers.
He spent six seasons with Dallas from 2018 before last year’s blockbuster move. He admitted he nearly walked into the home locker room at half-time.
“I was kind of confused,” Doncic said, smiling at the strange familiarity. Old habits briefly returned before focus took over again. The Lakers trailed by 15 points with seven minutes and 41 seconds remaining. However, they surged late to claim a third win in four games.
LeBron James scored 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Max Christie led Dallas with 24 points.
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Comfort, control, and chaos across the NBA
“I think the biggest thing this year, he’s just more comfortable,” said James. “Understanding the system, understanding the city.”
“Understanding it’s his team, and we’re all rallying around him. He showed who he is tonight.”The win leaves the Lakers fifth in the Western Conference standings. Conversely, the Mavericks remain 12th and searching for momentum.
Elsewhere, Kevin Huerter hit a buzzer-beating three for Chicago. The Bulls edged the Boston Celtics 114-111.
In Miami, Bam Adebayo scored 26 points in a dominant 147-116 win. The Heat overwhelmed the Utah Jazz with relentless offense.
However, not all NBA action went ahead as scheduled. Minnesota’s home game against Golden State was postponed. The delay followed federal immigration officers shooting and killing a man in Minneapolis. Safety concerns prompted swift league action.
“The decision was made to prioritise the safety and security of the Minneapolis community,” said an NBA statement. The game will now be played on Sunday.
Tags: Luka Doncic, LA Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Huerter, Bam Adebayo.
