Luka Doncic’s second return to Dallas was less emotion and more business. After digging themselves into a 15-point hole at the seven-minute mark of the final frame, Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers sparked a late comeback that ended in a 116-110 victory on Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks.
Doncic stuffed the stat sheet with 33 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds to help the Lakers improve to 27-17 as of this writing.
Notably, this is Doncic’s fourth game against Dallas since that blockbuster trade last year. The Slovenian sensation is now 4-0 against his former team and is averaging 33.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists against the franchise that already traded for him.
Luka Magic Returns to Dallas
Despite an emotional return to a place he once called home for seven years, Doncic continued to put up MVP numbers at the American Airlines Center, albeit wearing the opposing team’s jersey.
His two three-pointers in the opening minutes etched his name in history once again, as he became the youngest player in NBA history to hit 1,500 threes.
“I mean, I’m always going to want to win no matter what. Every game I want to win, but obviously this one’s a little bit different,” Doncic said.
Mavs Momentum Ends
Prior to the loss, the Mavericks were in the midst of a turning point in their season, notching 7 wins in their last 10 games.
Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg continued to solidify his case as Dallas’ future star, dropping 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Meanwhile, Max Christie, who was also involved in the Doncic trade, led the Mavs’ offense with 24 points.
The Mavs have no time to rest, however, as they await a matchup against a depleted Milwaukee Bucks squad, which will miss the services of Giannis Antetokounmpo until the All-Star break.
