Luka Doncic and Lakers Defeat Dallas Mavericks in Doncic Homecoming-LA Clinches Playoffs
Deafening. Yells, screams, energetic howls. This is the atmosphere of a long-awaited homecoming of a town and star parted by no fault of their own. Earlier this year the most massive trade occurred leading to a jaw dropping swap between Dallas and the Los Angeles Lakers. However, together again at last, you would never know that LA’s number 77 plays for them instead of their opponent. On Wednesday, Luka Doncic and the Lakers defeat the Dallas Mavericks in a Doncic homecoming to the cheers of literally everyone.
Seriously, imagine being traded, yet returning back to a franchise you played for over five seasons; and it still sounds like a home game. Amazing. The people of Dallas wanted Luka to know just how much they still love and appreciate what he did for the city. And he gave the love right back by giving them an impressive show. Call it adrenaline, call it passion; Luka played with everything he had helping LA clinch a playoff spot.
While Rui and Lebron got in on all the scoring, Luka by far beamed the brightest. Doncic matched his season high with 45 points in a 112-97 victory that clinched a playoff spot for the Lakers. He already had 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting with three 3s in the first 10 1/2 minutes alone.
Nevertheless, another great touch of the night occurred before the game. The Mavs played a tribute video for Doncic and there seemed to be very few dry eyes in the arena. Especially, when it came to Luka.
He sat on the bench. All alone. Looking up at the screen taking it all in and seemingly doing his best to process it through real emotions. Quite the scene to behold.
After the video, Luka reveals, “After that video, I was like, there’s no way I’m playing this game,” Doncic said. “So many moments, and I just went out there and just played basketball.”
Yet, play he did. To the screams of thousands of fans. And came away with the victory.
Luka Doncic and Lakers Defeat Dallas Mavericks in Doncic Homecoming-LA Clinches Playoffs
Doncic’s head coach, JJ Redick, was also impressed by Luka’s display of emotional and mental strength. He noticed Luka’s reaction during the video and appreciated how he powered through all four quarters. Eventually, putting up his elite 45 points.
Regarding Luka, JJ Redick states, “It was a beautiful moment. I thought the video was great. But I think just his ability to then go perform, lights turn on, he’s teary-eyed still as we walk out on the court for the tip ball. To have the emotional resolve to then go put on that kind of performance, it’s superhuman.”
We could not agree more Coach.
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