The atmosphere inside the arena was electric. Every dribble, crossover, and shot attempt had the crowd on edge, their voices rising in anticipation. This was no ordinary game—it was Luka Doncic’s first matchup against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, making it a must-watch event across the NBA.
However, while the stage was set for a dramatic showdown, Doncic found himself struggling to deliver. His shooting touch was off, and Dallas’ relentless defense made his night even tougher. Despite his challenges, the Los Angeles Lakers stepped up as a team, securing a hard-fought 107-99 victory.
Doncic’s Tough Night Against Former Team
Fresh off his best performance as a Laker—scoring 32 points against the Denver Nuggets—Doncic was expected to shine. However, against the Mavericks, he found himself searching for rhythm, but success was elusive.
He made only six of his 17 field goal attempts.
His lone three-pointer, a signature step-back shot, was overturned upon review for being out of bounds.
Dallas applied intense defensive pressure, limiting his opportunities to break free.
Despite his struggles, Doncic still managed to put up a triple-double, finishing with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists.
Lakers Step Up as a Team
While Doncic had a tough night, his teammates ensured the Lakers remained in control. Dorian Finney-Smith, who had promised to support Doncic, played a crucial role with his hustle and key plays. LeBron James dominated the fourth quarter, scoring 16 crucial points to secure the win.
Key contributions included:
Finney-Smith’s impactful plays, including a crucial rebound and defensive efforts.
LeBron James leading the charge with aggressive drives, lobs, and putbacks.
The Lakers’ defense, which has been the NBA’s best for over a month, keeping the Mavericks in check.
Mavericks’ Comeback Effort Falls Short
The Lakers built a 16-point lead in the second quarter, largely thanks to their defensive intensity. However, Dallas refused to back down. Max Christie sparked a momentum shift with a key block and two three-pointers late in the first half. Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson then led a furious comeback, bringing the game to a tie in the fourth quarter.
But just when the Mavericks seemed poised to steal the win, LeBron James took over on offense, and the Lakers’ defense tightened up. With smart plays, clutch rebounds, and strategic defensive rotations, Los Angeles secured their 13th win in 16 games.
Doncic Reflects on an Emotional Game
After the final buzzer, Doncic acknowledged the strange emotions surrounding the game.
“I don’t know, it felt so weird. At moments, I felt like I didn’t know what I was doing, and I’m glad we got a win.”
Despite the struggles, this game was a reminder that basketball is a team sport. The Lakers’ collective effort proved decisive, while the Mavericks continue to search for consistency without Anthony Davis, the key piece they acquired in the Doncic deal.
With this win, the Lakers remain one of the hottest teams in the NBA, while Doncic and the Mavericks will look to regroup for their next battle.