Dallas Basketball

Luka Doncic makes NBA history in Mavericks-Lakers, return to Dallas

The former Mav torched his old team.
Keenan Womack|
Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) brings the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks during the third quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) brings the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks during the third quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Dallas MavericksLos Angeles Lakers

In a highly emotional game, Luka Doncic dropped 45 points in his homecoming against the Dallas Mavericks, becoming just the second-ever player to score as many for and against a team in the same season. He joined Wilt Chamberlain, who did so with and against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1964-65 season.

READ MORE: Luka Doncic's 45 points lead Lakers over Mavericks in his Dallas return, 112-97

His 45-point game matched a season high as well as marking his first 40-plus point game with the Lakers – clearly, he saved his best for this particular occasion, and was able to manage his killer instinct through the feelings. The win was also important for LA for their postseason push, securing them a top-six spot in the Western Conference playoffs and allowing them to skip the play-in.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic
Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Throughout the night, Mavericks fans could be heard alternatively cheering for Doncic, their own team, and for the firing of GM Nico Harrison, whose baffling move has turned the once-loyal fanbase completely against the current front office and ownership. The Mavericks even honored Doncic with a kind of "greatest hits" of his time with Dallas, during which he cried. It was a legitimately heartbreaking affair for Mavericks fans, as well as for Doncic himself, who was moved by the vocal support.

READ MORE: Mavericks crowd chants 'Fire Nico' early in Lakers' Luka Doncic's return

Players on both the Mavericks and Lakers recognized the importance of the moment for Doncic, who moved to the United States as a teenager and grew up in Dallas. Anthony Davis even noted that Dallas "still loves him," which underlines the connection Doncic still has with the Dallas community.

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.

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