Wednesday was an emotional night for Luka Doncic.
From a tribute video highlighting his time in Dallas to Mavericks fans chanting “Fire Nico!” throughout the Lakers’ 112-97 victory in American Airlines Center, everything was about Doncic in his first game against his former team.
He dropped 45 points against the Mavericks, tied for the most he’s had in a purple and gold uniform thus far. After his standout performance, Doncic admitted it was tough to play in Dallas as an opponent — and also had moments with some famous Mavericks fans in Patrick Mahomes and Mark Cuban.
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Here’s what Doncic said after his first game against the Mavericks on Wednesday, plus a look at the other notable moments surrounding the star following the Lakers’ win.
Luka Doncic postgame interview
Doncic didn’t hide his tears as the Mavericks paused the Lakers’ starting lineup introductions to play a tribute video for their former star guard. While the video played in American Airlines Center, an emotional Doncic sat on the bench, taking it all in.
ALL THE FEELS FOR LUKA’S RETURN TO DALLAS ❤️
The Mavs honored Luka with a tribute video before he took the court with the Lakers ? pic.twitter.com/462QhwjDRC
— ESPN (@espn) April 9, 2025
After scoring 45 points in Dallas, Doncic spoke about his pregame emotions with ESPN.
“All of these fans, I really appreciate it, man. All the teammates I had, everybody had my back. I’m just happy, I love these fans, I love this city, but it’s time to move on,” Doncic said. “[The tribute video] brought tears to my eyes … I came as a young kid here, I was 18 … they made me feel like home.”
“I don’t know how I did it. Because when I was watching that video, I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game.’”
Luka Doncic after dropping 45 PTS in his emotional return to Dallas with the Lakers ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dJb1GFCT0n
— ESPN (@espn) April 10, 2025
Doncic also said that after watching the tribute video, he felt like “there’s no way I’m playing in this game,” and that he was happy to sleep in his bed in Dallas for a night. As he came off the floor on Wednesday, Mavericks fans gave him a standing ovation.
It’s all love between Luka & the city of Dallaspic.twitter.com/LKAtuAQulm
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 10, 2025
‘Fire Nico’ chants ring out in Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas
While the city of Dallas still has love for Doncic, the same can’t be said for its relationship with current Mavericks’ GM Nico Harrison.
The man who orchestrated the Doncic trade was routinely serenaded with “Fire Nico” chants while players were shooting free throws, and perhaps the loudest of the night came shortly after Doncic checked out of the game amid a standing ovation.
Luka Dončić finishes with 45 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in his return to Dallas.
After he checks out for the final time, the crowd erupts into its loudest “Fire Nico” chant of the night as GM Nico Harrison watches from the tunnel.
Lakers win 112-97. pic.twitter.com/7qgWnYqTza
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) April 10, 2025
Harrison was also spotted in the crowd as most fans chanted “Fire Nico” during Wednesday’s game.
Nico Harrison listening to the “Fire Nico” chants… pic.twitter.com/wgeiApWx29
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) April 10, 2025
Luka Doncic hugs Patrick Mahomes, Mark Cuban after win
Doncic also reconnected with some of the most well-known Mavericks fans out there after the Lakers’ win. First, he found Mahomes, who’s long supported the Mavericks and been courtside for plenty of the team’s games.
Luka Doncic and Patrick Mahomes dap up ? pic.twitter.com/z0CuXNuyyQ
— TimeoutSPORTS__ (@TimeoutSPORTS3) April 10, 2025
Doncic also embraced the former Mavericks owner, Cuban, who played a significant role in the team drafting Doncic and was a leading executive throughout the guard’s time in Dallas.
Luka Doncic and Mark Cuban
(Yes he’s wearing an Anthony Davis shirt) pic.twitter.com/8oTIxuhstp
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 10, 2025
Cuban was a known advocate for Doncic throughout his time as the Mavericks’ owner. But after Cuban sold the team in December 2023, he didn’t have the same voice to make team decisions. While Nico Harrison was the leading executive calling the shots when Dallas traded Doncic, Cuban has called the trade a “mistake.”
The Athletic reported Wednesday that Cuban expected to remain involved in the Mavericks’ team decisions despite stepping down as owner, but that hasn’t happened — the story said that Cuban was “powerless to stop the Mavericks from trading the most talented player in franchise history.”
However, there was certainly no love lost between Doncic and Cuban as the two embraced on the court after Wednesday’s game.
