DALLAS, TX — After an emotional tribute video before the game, Luka Doncic scored 45 points Wednesday in his return to Dallas as the Los Angeles Lakers won 112-97.
Doncic, who was the face of the Mavs’ franchise, was stunningly traded to the Lakers in February, and Dallas fans have been protesting the move ever since.
They cheered Doncic every step of the way Wednesday while booing Mavs general manager Nico Harrison with the same fervor.
Doncic was brought to tears by the video tribute just before tip-off, then went out and scored 45 points on 16-of-28 shooting. He knocked down 7 of his 10 attempts from 3-point range.
Doncic, who tied his season-high in points, had 31 by halftime. He also had eight rebounds, six assists and four steals.
While the Lakers are surging at third place in the Western Conference standings, Dallas is guaranteed a losing record a year after making the NBA Finals.
The Mavs are still in position to finish 10th and make the play-in tournament.
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: