In one of the most anticipated matchups of this season, the L.A. Lakers matched up with the Dallas Mavericks in Luka Doncic‘s first game back in American Airlines Center since being traded. Doncic seemingly had the game circled on his calendar as his dominant outing led the Lakers to a 112-97 win.
Ahead of the highly emotional battle, Doncic was wiping tears away as the Mavericks played a heartfelt tribute video before tipoff.
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He then got out to a hot start and had 14 points in the first quarter, but the Mavericks used their size to their advantage and were leading by four after the first frame. Doncic and the Lakers were even better in the second quarter, outscoring Dallas by seven and holding a three point lead at halftime.
The third quarter was the worst quarter of the night for both squads, but with a close game heading into the final 12 minutes, the league’s oldest star came up big.
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LeBron James was relatively quiet for most of the game until he revved it up for a huge fourth quarter. James scored 13 of his 27 points in the fourth to push the Lakers’ lead to double-digits.
Doncic finished the game with a staggering 45 points, eight rebounds and six assists on 16-28 shooting. For Dallas, Naji Marshall had 23 points and eight assists.
The Lakers clinched a top-six playoff spot with Wednesday’s big win over Dallas and Doncic seemingly got his revenge on a franchise that betrayed him.
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
