Luka Doncic Scores 45 in Emotional Return to Dallas as Lakers Secure Playoff BerthLuka Doncic Scores 45 in Emotional Return to Dallas as Lakers Secure Playoff Berth
The Los Angeles Lakers used a dazzling 45-point effort from Luka Doncic to beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-97 Wednesday evening, clinching their spot in the NBA playoffs.
Making his first trip back to Dallas since his blockbuster February trade, Doncic received a heartfelt welcome at the American Airlines Center. A ceremonial tribute video for the 26-year-old Slovenian star brought him to tears, as the crowd held up signs and wore shirts that said in Slovenian “Thanks for Everything.” It was an emotional moment for LeBron James to console his teammate ahead of tip-off.
But once the game started, Doncic was all business. He scored 14 points in the first quarter and 17 more in the second, lifting the Lakers to a modest 60-57 halftime lead. After slowing slightly in the second half, Doncic ended his night with a deep three that pushed the Lakers lead to 108-94, before leaving to a standing ovation.
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Chants of “Fire Nico” filled the arena, a reference to Mavs G.M. Nico Harrison, who has been pilloried for masterminding the trade that sent Doncic to Los Angeles in a deal for Anthony Davis.
“It was a lot of emotions I can’t even explain,” Doncic said after the game to ESPN. “This city, this city means so much to me. I was brought here as a child, and they made me feel at home. But it’s time to move on.
James finished with 27 points, seven rebounds and three assists, as the Lakers moved to 49-31. A victory in either of their last two regular-season games would clinch the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
Doncic had 45 points, including seven three-pointers, on 16-of-28 shooting in a triumphant but bittersweet return home.
