NBA: Doncic scores 45 points in emotional return to Dallas

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112-97 in a heroic return by the Slovenian to the American Airlines Center.

LeBron James and Luka DoncicSipa USA / Cordon Press

Published by

Virginia Martínez

April 10, 2025

4 minutes read

On a night that brought him to tears, Luka Doncic scored 45 points in the Lakers' 112-97 victory over the Mavericks, marking his first game in Dallas since his surprising trade.

The Slovenian, who led the 'Mavs' for seven seasons until his trade in February, was warmly welcomed by his former fans at the American Airlines Center.

Though wearing the gold and purple of the Los Angeles Lakers, Doncic played like a hometown hero for the 20,000 fans, many of whom wore his jerseys, both Mavericks and Slovenian national team versions.

"It was so many emotions that I can't even explain," Doncic told ESPN. "I love these fans and this city so much. I came as a young 18-year-old and they made me feel at home. It's so many great memories."

The city of Dallas remains in shock and outrage over the loss of its idol, who last season was the NBA’s leading scorer and led the Mavericks to their first Finals appearance since 2011.

Doncic, who had expressed his desire to spend his entire career in Dallas, became emotional during the video tribute the Mavericks presented to him before the game.

Sitting on the bench in a Lakers jacket, the point guard wiped away tears with a towel before being introduced on the court to chants of "Luka, Luka."

"I don't know how I did it," Doncic said of his impressive performance after the tribute, which included eight rebounds, six assists and seven 3-pointers.

"When I saw the video I thought, 'There's no way I'm playing this game.' But my teammates were supportive," he added.

LeBron, second with the most games

After the opening tip, Doncic set aside his emotions and showcased his fierce competitiveness against the executives who traded him.

At halftime, the point guard had already scored 31 points, under the watchful eye of general manager Nico Harrison, the mastermind behind the baffling trade, who watched the game from next to the locker room tunnel.

The crowd, showing support for both Doncic and his team, repeatedly called for Harrison's dismissal.

Several of Doncic's most spectacular baskets came were scored against Anthony Davis, the former Lakers teammate of LeBron James and the key player acquired in the Slovenian's trade.

Davis finished with only 13 points, while LeBron added 27 for the Lakers in a game that was also significant in his remarkable career.

The NBA's all-time leading scorer, "King James," surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Wednesday to become the league's second-leading scorer.

The 40-year-old forward has now played 1,561 games, trailing only Robert Parish, who holds the record with 1,611.

With nine minutes remaining, the Mavericks, who are without their other star, Kyrie Irving, due to injury, were leading on the scoreboard.

LeBron then took over, scoring 11 points in five minutes to seal the win for the Lakers, who remain in third place in the Western Conference and secured their spot in the playoffs.

Nuggets win without Malone

In another game, the Denver Nuggets beat the Sacramento Kings 124-116 in the first game following the surprising firing of Michael Malone, the coach who led them to their only championship in 2023.

Nikola Jokic, who took to the board at several breaks to call plays for his teammates, recorded a triple-double with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, helping to end Denver's four-game losing streak.

One of the heroes of the day was forward Harrison Barnes, who sealed a 114-111 win for the San Antonio Spurs over their former fans with a last-second three-pointer.