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All eyes in the NBA world were on Dallas on Wednesday night, as Luka Dončić returned to the American Airlines Center for the first time since the blockbuster trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
The Lakers faced off against the Mavericks in a highly anticipated matchup, marking Dončić’s emotional homecoming, which culminated in the 112-97 Lakers win, of which Dončić scored more than 40% of his team's points. He had spent his first six-and-a-half seasons with the Mavs, after he was drafted as a 19-year-old in 2018.
Here were the highlights.
In an emotional night for both Dončić and Mavs fans, who had swiftly criticized the trade in early February, the pregame featured a video tribute honoring Dončić, whose eyes welled up in tears as he reflected on his six-plus seasons with the Mavs.
The five-time All-Star was drafted to the team in 2018, won Rookie of the Year in 2019 and led the team to the NBA Finals last season.
In addition to the tribute, the Mavericks also gave every fan a T-shirt that reads "thank you so much" in Slovenian.
Throughout the night, fans cheered as Dončić handled the ball and took shots, even giving him a standing ovation when he finally exited the game.
For many Mavs fans, Feb. 2 was one of the most heartbreaking days in the franchise's history. Not only was Dončić a key player, but he was also someone fans felt personally connected to, having watched him grow from a teenager into an All-Star. Fans even held a "funeral" to mourn his career with the Mavs.
The chant "Fire Nico" has become a common refrain on social media and in arenas, with fans calling for the firing of Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison, who was responsible for the blockbuster trade that sent Dončić to Los Angeles.
In a blockbuster three-team trade on Feb. 1-2, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick, with the Utah Jazz also involved in the deal.
Here’s a breakdown of the trade:
This trade marked the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA Team players were traded for each other midseason.
Contributing: Cydney Henderson and Jace Evans, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Lakers vs. Mavs: Luka Dončić tribute and stats, 'fire Nico' meaning
Continue reading...
The Lakers faced off against the Mavericks in a highly anticipated matchup, marking Dončić’s emotional homecoming, which culminated in the 112-97 Lakers win, of which Dončić scored more than 40% of his team's points. He had spent his first six-and-a-half seasons with the Mavs, after he was drafted as a 19-year-old in 2018.
Here were the highlights.
How many points did Luka Dončić score? Stats vs. Mavericks
- Points: 45
- FG: 16-for-28
- 3PT: 7-for-10
- FT: 6-for-9
- Rebounds: 8
- Assists: 6
- Steals: 4
- Blocks: 0
- Turnovers: 3
- Fouls: 4
- Minutes played: 38
Luka Dončić brought to tears by tribute video in return to Dallas
In an emotional night for both Dončić and Mavs fans, who had swiftly criticized the trade in early February, the pregame featured a video tribute honoring Dončić, whose eyes welled up in tears as he reflected on his six-plus seasons with the Mavs.
The five-time All-Star was drafted to the team in 2018, won Rookie of the Year in 2019 and led the team to the NBA Finals last season.
In addition to the tribute, the Mavericks also gave every fan a T-shirt that reads "thank you so much" in Slovenian.
What does 'Fire Nico' mean?
Throughout the night, fans cheered as Dončić handled the ball and took shots, even giving him a standing ovation when he finally exited the game.
For many Mavs fans, Feb. 2 was one of the most heartbreaking days in the franchise's history. Not only was Dončić a key player, but he was also someone fans felt personally connected to, having watched him grow from a teenager into an All-Star. Fans even held a "funeral" to mourn his career with the Mavs.
The chant "Fire Nico" has become a common refrain on social media and in arenas, with fans calling for the firing of Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison, who was responsible for the blockbuster trade that sent Dončić to Los Angeles.
Why was Luka Dončić traded?
In a blockbuster three-team trade on Feb. 1-2, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick, with the Utah Jazz also involved in the deal.
Here’s a breakdown of the trade:
- Jazz acquired: Jalen Hood-Schifino, the LA Clippers' 2025 second-round pick, and the Mavericks' 2025 second-round selection
- Lakers acquired: Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris
- Mavericks acquired: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers' 2029 first-round pick
This trade marked the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA Team players were traded for each other midseason.
Watch: Luka Dončić highlights: Lakers vs. Mavericks
Contributing: Cydney Henderson and Jace Evans, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Lakers vs. Mavs: Luka Dončić tribute and stats, 'fire Nico' meaning
Continue reading...
