Luka Doncic’s first sport again at American Airways Middle couldn’t have gone any higher.
The Lakers star recorded a season-high 45 factors, eight rebounds, six assists, 4 steals and 7 three-pointer made within the Lakers’ 112-97 win over the Mavericks.
The win additionally meant that the Lakers clinched a playoff spot within the West. The NBA script writers couldn’t have carried out a greater job, actually.
The night time was stuffed with feelings for Luka, who might be seen crying at his tribute video earlier than tip-off.
Luka crying at his Mavs tribute video is definitely heartbreaking
(by way of @NBA) pic.twitter.com/8Qtau6DKkB
— Basketball Eternally (@bballforever_) April 9, 2025
He thought he was going to be too emotional to play, he revealed after the sport.
“I don’t understand how I did it as a result of after I was watching that video I used to be like, ‘There’s no manner I’m enjoying this sport,’ Luka stated. “However all my teammates had my again. They had been actually supporting me, so I actually respect that.”
He made it clear Dallas goes to be in his rear imaginative and prescient mirror.
“I really like these followers, I really like this metropolis, nevertheless it’s time to maneuver on,” Doncic stated in his on-court interview.
Just like what he stated after his first matchup towards the Mavs in LA, Luka simply wished to move to mattress.
“I’m drained. I’m joyful it’s over,” Doncic stated. “Now I can get some sleep lastly. It was an incredible expertise.”
LeBron was grateful to be a part of such a particular second for Luka and the Lakers as an entire.
“It was nice. That was an unbelievable second, one thing I’ll most likely always remember.”
He additionally spoke concerning the workforce’s goal – having Luka’s again.
“That was our solely concern, to help him and be there for him in no matter manner we might be,” James stated.
Dorian Finney-Smith, who performed with Luka on the Mavs and now performs with him on the Lakers, touched on what it meant to see Luka get love from followers in his return to Dallas.
“Effectively deserved… I used to be sitting in that locker room once we had been struggling, I’d say tanking to get him,” Finney-Smith stated. “And I noticed the transformation again into being a profitable tradition attributable to him. Clearly I’d say I had a little bit half in that, however Luka being Luka, he introduced the joy again to Dallas.”
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