Luka Doncic likely had some extra fuel for the Lakers’ matchup on Wednesday night.
With the regular season winding down, Doncic was an opponent in American Airlines Center for the first time in his NBA career; the Lakers visited the Mavericks in their second head-to-head meeting since making a shocking blockbuster trade involving Doncic and Anthony Davis in February.
Following an emotional moment as the Mavericks played him a tribute video, Doncic took the floor against his former teammates in front of a fired-up crowd, then dominated in a 112-97 Lakers victory.
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Here’s a look at how Doncic performed in his return to Dallas, including his stats and highlights from Wednesday’s game.
MORE LUKA DONCIC RETURN TO DALLAS:
Luka Doncic points today
- Minutes: 38
- Points: 45
- Rebounds: 8
- Assists: 6
- Steals: 4
- Blocks: 0
- TO: 3
- Fouls: 4
- FG: 16-28
- 3P: 7-10
- FT: 6-9
In his first game in Dallas, Doncic posted 45 points, tied for the most he’s had in a Lakers uniform thus far. He also had 45 points in a loss to the Bucks on March 13.
Los Angeles officially clinched a playoff spot with Wednesday’s win.
Luka Doncic highlights vs. Mavericks
Doncic didn’t take long to get to work against his former team, setting his emotions aside to start getting buckets. His first came on a floater over center Dereck Lively II, who blossomed as a rookie next to Doncic in 2023-24.
Immediately, the Mavericks’ crowd exploded in applause for its former star.
Luka Dončić scores his first bucket in his return to Dallas!
Lakers/Mavericks underway on ESPN pic.twitter.com/loGB8AotVV
— NBA (@NBA) April 9, 2025
Quickly, Doncic reached double-digit points with the same finesse and skill he displayed for years in Dallas. With both teams trading buckets, he hunted down a defensive matchup few players can take advantage of in Davis.
In the first quarter, Doncic mixed up Davis, then connected on a step-back 3-pointer over the opposing star he was traded for just months ago.
Signature Luka Stepback.
He’s got 11 early in his return to Dallas!
? 1Q on ESPN pic.twitter.com/pxaxanlQ2b
— NBA (@NBA) April 10, 2025
His hot stretch to start Wednesday’s game didn’t end there. With another three, Doncic notched 14 points in the first quarter, by far the most for either squad.
MAKE THAT 14 EARLY POINTS FOR LUKA! https://t.co/Ujrn4o5o2u pic.twitter.com/qKY6oFX5ZD
— NBA (@NBA) April 10, 2025
Doncic remained scorching hot when he returned from the bench in the second quarter. He hit a tough 3-pointer, his fourth of the night, over another former Laker in Max Christie:
LUKA IS UP TO 25 IN HIS RETURN TO DALLAS.
IT’S THE FIRST HALF.
? ESPN pic.twitter.com/Zy5f9ZcJpU
— NBA (@NBA) April 10, 2025
In just 19 first-half minutes, Doncic totaled 31 points against the Mavericks. His unreal shooting performance over the first two frames was closed out by his sixth 3-pointer.
MAKE THAT 31 FOR LUKA.
IT’S STILL THE FIRST HALF ? https://t.co/4rSgWM5MkW pic.twitter.com/P6f11rSx5W
— NBA (@NBA) April 10, 2025
As the Lakers closed out a win, Doncic hit a circus shot to reach 40 points.
LUKA.
40-BALL IN HIS DALLAS RETURN.
? ESPN pic.twitter.com/YTNoiSYfSX
— NBA (@NBA) April 10, 2025
With one last bucket to make it a 16-point lead for Los Angeles, Doncic reached 45 points and got an ovation from the Dallas crowd.
45 for Luka in his return to Dallas! ?
That ties his most points with the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/Q9SBygfNu5
— NBA (@NBA) April 10, 2025
Luka Doncic’s points career high
Doncic’s career high in scoring is 73 points. That legendary performance, tied for the fourth-most points ever scored in an NBA game, came against the Hawks on Jan. 26, 2024.
HISTORIC 73-POINT NIGHT FROM LUKA DONCIC ?
? 73 PTS? 25/33 FGM (75.8%)? 15/16 FTM? 8 3PM
He becomes the 4th player in NBA history to score 73+ points and the first ever to score 70+ on 75% or higher from the field. pic.twitter.com/Afm9cyJung
— NBA (@NBA) January 27, 2024
Doncic has crossed the 50-point threshold on seven occasions, including a 60-point game against the Knicks in December 2022.
