For Luka Doncic, walking back into the American Airlines Center on Wednesday night was a homecoming in more ways than one. Clad all in black, he strolled past a showcase. It posted tributes to him alongside images of him with current teammates Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, saying “Thank you for the great memories.” He comes back home only 66 days after his life was turned upside down forever. That’s when he got traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The environment was electric when Doncic made his way onto the floor. It was his first-styled matchup against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, where he had spent the first six and a half years of his career. In his short time in Dallas, he won Rookie of the Year and earned five All-NBA teams. He guided the franchise to its first NBA Finals appearance since 2011. The emotional weight of the night was palpable, as Doncic acknowledged he expected many feelings while playing against the Mavericks on the road.
A Warm Welcome
Fans at the game received a special gift: each seat in the arena held a white T-shirt emblazoned with “Hvala za vse,” which translates to “thank you for everything” in Slovenian. The appreciation from the Mavericks franchise was clear as all eyes were glued to Luka as he stepped onto the court. A thunderous pregame standing ovation welcomed him before tip-off and continued the excitement for what would become an evening to remember.
As the public address announcer introduced him, Doncic wiped away tears, overwhelmed by the warmth of his welcome back. His emotional reaction resonated deeply with fans. It was the strong connection he had forged with the team and the city during his years in Dallas that impressed them most.
Dominant Performance
Once the game started, Doncic wasted no time proving why he’s still one of the league’s best players. He went on to completely control the game, netting 31 points by halftime. Ultimately, he didn’t just roll off an immaculate 45 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists to blow out his previous team 112-97. His performance would go on to net the third-most total points by a player in their first game against a former team on the road in NBA history. This extraordinary fact originates from ESPN Research.
With just 1:34 left in the game, fans rose to their feet once more to give him another standing ovation as he exited the game. His remarkable performance had him receiving admiration not just from fans, but fellow players too as Pau Gasol applauded his display.
“Bravooo @luka7doncic!! What an extraordinary performance in such an emotional night coming back to Dallas. Amazing welcome and love from the Mavs fans but I’m happy you’re a Laker!” – Pau Gasol (@paugasol)
Maintaining Rituals
While the emotional stakes of the night may have taken Doncic by surprise, his pregame routine was not immune to interruption. There was excitement in the air when he delighted the crowd by making a half-court shot in warm-ups. To celebrate, Lakers coaches jumped in and matched him pushup-for-pushup! Though whimsical in appearance, this light-hearted moment spoke to his greater confidence and connection with supporters.
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