Luka Doncic scores 45 in return game as Dallas Mavericks fall to Los Angeles Lakers | NBA News

Luka Doncic. Image via: LM Otero/ AP

Luka Doncic made his highly anticipated return to the Dallas Mavericks‘ home ground, the American Airlines Center, on April 9. In a night packed with drama, emotion, and elite basketball, Doncic did not disappoint. Wearing a Lakers jersey for the first time inside the American Airlines Center, he silenced any lingering doubt about how he’d respond in his first matchup back against the team that drafted him, dropping a breathtaking 45-point performance that was as personal as it was dominant in the Lakers’ 112-97 win.

Luka Doncic drops 45 points in his return to the Dallas Mavericks’ American Airlines Center

From the opening tip, it was clear this wasn’t just another regular-season game. Luka Doncic was visibly emotional during a heartfelt tribute video before tip-off. He was seen wiping away tears moments before stepping onto the court. The crowd, torn between nostalgia and loyalty, responded in kind — cheering every Doncic touch while still rallying behind their Mavericks.
Doncic torched his former team, putting up 31 points in the first half alone. He finished the night with 45 points on 57.1% shooting, including a blistering 7-of-10 from three-point range, while also grabbing 8 rebounds, dishing 6 assists, and collecting 4 steals. Even more telling was his +26 plus-minus.
While the Mavericks stayed within striking distance for much of the contest, a crushing 14-1 Lakers run in the fourth quarter sealed the outcome. A step-back three from Doncic brought fans to their feet in appreciation. When he checked out for the final time, he received a rare standing ovation from a fanbase still mourning the void he left behind.
Despite Doncic’s takeover, LeBron James ensured the Lakers didn’t rely solely on their new superstar. The King finished with 27 points and 7 rebounds, powering the Lakers through the second half with timely buckets. Rui Hachimura added 15 points, providing much-needed balance off the wing.
On the other side of the ball, Anthony Davis turned in a mixed bag of a performance. Though he recorded a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double and added 6 assists, his shooting woes (5-for-13 from the field) and -10 plus-minus painted a picture of inconsistency. His presence on defense remained steady, especially on the glass.
Going just 3-of-5 from the free-throw line and committing 4 turnovers, Davis couldn’t quite find the rhythm his team needed.
Also Read: LeBron James predicts emotional homecoming for Luka Doncic in Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks: “It’s gonna be a lot of emotions”
Now 0-2 against the Lakers since the blockbuster trade, the Mavericks’ record drops to 38-42, as chants of “Fire Nico” — directed at GM Nico Harrison — rang through the arena. It was a reflection of the frustration of fans who watched their franchise cornerstone light them up in another uniform.