By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
An emotional return to Dallas for the first time since his trade in early February combined with a pregame tribute and Luka Doncic scoring 45 points as the Los Angeles Lakers prevailed, 112-97.
“After that video, it was like, ‘there is now way I am playing this game’. There were so many emotions. I just went out there and just played basketball,” he described his approach to a first appearance as a visitor in American Airlines Center.
Jumping to 49-31 in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season, the new team of the Slovenian sensation clinched a berth in the 2025 Playoffs presented by Google. The Lakers also took another step toward securing the third seed on the bracket of the Western Conference.
Doncic tucked in 16/28 from the field, including seven three-pointers against the Dallas Mavericks. Lasting 38 minutes, he added eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals.
“It was a little bit of both. Happy and angry. It was nice to see some familiar faces here,” said the native of Ljubljana on his emotions.
“I’m tired. But I’m happy it’s over. I can get some sleep, finally,” he also revealed excitement for this special game, preventing resting before the game on Wednesday.
Ukrainian teammate Alex Len did not play. German Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery) remained sidelined for the team coached by JJ Redick.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns were eliminated from the Playoffs after a loss, 125-112, against the Oklahoma City Thunder in PHX Arena. Serbian Vasilije Micic did not suit up for the team coached by Mike Budenholzer. On the winning side, French Ousmane Dieng (left calf strain), German Isaiah Hartenstein (left Achilles tendinitis), Belgian Ajay Mitchell (right great toe surgery), and Serbian Nikola Topic (left knee surgery) were on the injury list.