Wednesday’s Lakers-Mavericks NBA regular season game, which marked Lakers G Luka Doncic’s first game in Dallas since being traded at midseason, averaged 2.26 million viewers on ESPN — the network’s top audience of the season outside of Christmas and a sharp increase over Mavericks-Heat in the same window last year (1.23M). Somewhat surprisingly, Doncic’s return was not even their most-watched Laker game in the past week, trailing their matchup with Golden State on TNT last Thursday (2.5M).
Source: Sports Media Watch
Source: Sports Media Watch
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Luka Doncic’s 45-point performance in his 1st game back in Dallas was, understandably, yesterday’s focus.
But as Doncic said, “…it’s time to move on.”
And for the Lakers, that means accomplishing one final goal – clinching the No. 3 seed:
ocregister.com/2025/04/10/aft… – 3:47 PM
Luka Doncic’s 45-point performance in his 1st game back in Dallas was, understandably, yesterday’s focus.
But as Doncic said, “…it’s time to move on.”
And for the Lakers, that means accomplishing one final goal – clinching the No. 3 seed:
ocregister.com/2025/04/10/aft… – 3:47 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
“That’s how you make it right if you’re Nico Harrison … go get KD to pair alongside Kyrie and AD.” 😳
@espn_macmahon and @KendrickPerkins on the Mavs’ future after Luka Doncic 👀 pic.x.com/DRXwdvhfIu – 3:42 PM
“That’s how you make it right if you’re Nico Harrison … go get KD to pair alongside Kyrie and AD.” 😳
@espn_macmahon and @KendrickPerkins on the Mavs’ future after Luka Doncic 👀 pic.x.com/DRXwdvhfIu – 3:42 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
D Live found out last night that Rudy isn’t the only big to get crucified by Luka – 2:59 PM
D Live found out last night that Rudy isn’t the only big to get crucified by Luka – 2:59 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
New Zach Lowe Show! @TheSteinLine on Luka’s vengeance, more on how/why the trade happened, where Dallas goes from here. Then @kirkgoldsberry on All-Rookie, Sixth Man, COY, more:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0Bg62M… – 2:36 PM
New Zach Lowe Show! @TheSteinLine on Luka’s vengeance, more on how/why the trade happened, where Dallas goes from here. Then @kirkgoldsberry on All-Rookie, Sixth Man, COY, more:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0Bg62M… – 2:36 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Thunder superfan Jeremy Price details wild 24 hours after Luka Doncic’s ejection (via @The_ThunderWire):
okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/n… – 2:17 PM
Thunder superfan Jeremy Price details wild 24 hours after Luka Doncic’s ejection (via @The_ThunderWire):
okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/n… – 2:17 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Live w/@adaniels33 on @SiriusXMNBA Channel 86 for the next 2 hours.
📞 855-NBA-JUMP
📡 sxm.app.link/WorldWideWobNBA
– Situational Basketball Pt. III: Herro in Chicago
– Luka’s return
– Nuggets fallout
– Harrison Barnes WWEs the Warriors
– Clippers truth serum
– Knicks sneaky tank? pic.x.com/YmVIn8Uhpo – 1:59 PM
Live w/@adaniels33 on @SiriusXMNBA Channel 86 for the next 2 hours.
📞 855-NBA-JUMP
📡 sxm.app.link/WorldWideWobNBA
– Situational Basketball Pt. III: Herro in Chicago
– Luka’s return
– Nuggets fallout
– Harrison Barnes WWEs the Warriors
– Clippers truth serum
– Knicks sneaky tank? pic.x.com/YmVIn8Uhpo – 1:59 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“Here’s Luka [Dončić] on the bench showing all that emotion, what did that tell you?”
@TheFrankIsola reacted to Luka’s emotional return to Dallas in the Lakers win last night pic.x.com/H5cbOjQpSp – 12:35 PM
“Here’s Luka [Dončić] on the bench showing all that emotion, what did that tell you?”
@TheFrankIsola reacted to Luka’s emotional return to Dallas in the Lakers win last night pic.x.com/H5cbOjQpSp – 12:35 PM
Rob Mahoney @RobMahoney
I went to Dallas for Luka’s first game back, and came away wondering if anyone involved or invested in the trade will ever find closure: theringer.com/2025/04/10/nba… – 12:09 PM
I went to Dallas for Luka’s first game back, and came away wondering if anyone involved or invested in the trade will ever find closure: theringer.com/2025/04/10/nba… – 12:09 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Luka Crushes Dallas in His Return: Drops 45 | Will Warriors Give Away Game Doom Them to Play-In? x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 12:01 PM
Luka Crushes Dallas in His Return: Drops 45 | Will Warriors Give Away Game Doom Them to Play-In? x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 12:01 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Join us on Beyond the Arc at the top of the hour for Luka’s return to Dallas, Golden State’s disastrous loss, Denver’s first post-Malone game and more!
youtube.com/live/GTpS65Mro… – 11:55 AM
Join us on Beyond the Arc at the top of the hour for Luka’s return to Dallas, Golden State’s disastrous loss, Denver’s first post-Malone game and more!
youtube.com/live/GTpS65Mro… – 11:55 AM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
LIVE in 5! Join @sportsreiter @SamQuinnCBS on Luka’s return to Dallas, why didn’t they get Austin Reaves, Warriors heartbreaker & more!!!
youtube.com/live/GTpS65Mro… – 11:55 AM
LIVE in 5! Join @sportsreiter @SamQuinnCBS on Luka’s return to Dallas, why didn’t they get Austin Reaves, Warriors heartbreaker & more!!!
youtube.com/live/GTpS65Mro… – 11:55 AM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Lakers Win In Dallas | Luka’s Special Night | AD Looked Average | Warriors Lose x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 10:59 AM
Lakers Win In Dallas | Luka’s Special Night | AD Looked Average | Warriors Lose x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 10:59 AM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Luka Doncic entered Wilt territory in his return to Dallas 😳 pic.x.com/XL98AihTkb – 10:58 AM
Luka Doncic entered Wilt territory in his return to Dallas 😳 pic.x.com/XL98AihTkb – 10:58 AM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
New for @YahooSports: Luka played as if he were a top-three player in the game, like the mere thought of trading him was crazy talk, like a fantasy that shouldn’t be treated with any seriousness. But it’s real, and it’s a nightmare for Dallas sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/a-… – 10:37 AM
New for @YahooSports: Luka played as if he were a top-three player in the game, like the mere thought of trading him was crazy talk, like a fantasy that shouldn’t be treated with any seriousness. But it’s real, and it’s a nightmare for Dallas sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/a-… – 10:37 AM
Bill Reiter @sportsreiter
Reiter Than You is live nationwide on @InfSportsNet from 10-noon ET: Luka’s return, Mavs pain, Rory’s big chance, Fields on benching, Would You Rather, @basketballtalk, @PrettyDaddyRTY eyes the door, Buy or Sell, more.
LISTEN:
ReiterThanYou.com
@Audacy app
@SIRIUSXM 375 – 9:57 AM
Reiter Than You is live nationwide on @InfSportsNet from 10-noon ET: Luka’s return, Mavs pain, Rory’s big chance, Fields on benching, Would You Rather, @basketballtalk, @PrettyDaddyRTY eyes the door, Buy or Sell, more.
LISTEN:
ReiterThanYou.com
@Audacy app
@SIRIUSXM 375 – 9:57 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
🥹 Trae Young after watching Luka Doncic in tears during an emotional tribute video in Dallas… pic.x.com/dmgCYdK4Ft – 4:07 AM
🥹 Trae Young after watching Luka Doncic in tears during an emotional tribute video in Dallas… pic.x.com/dmgCYdK4Ft – 4:07 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Same day, same building, different stories! 🥹
🇩🇪 6 years ago Dirk Nowitzki played his final game in Dallas.
🇸🇮 6 years later Luka Doncic played his first game in Dallas since the trade. pic.x.com/youQCn5X5f – 3:00 AM
Same day, same building, different stories! 🥹
🇩🇪 6 years ago Dirk Nowitzki played his final game in Dallas.
🇸🇮 6 years later Luka Doncic played his first game in Dallas since the trade. pic.x.com/youQCn5X5f – 3:00 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Luka Doncic wipes away tears, then stuns Mavericks in emotional return sportando.basketball/en/luka-doncic… – 1:54 AM
Luka Doncic wipes away tears, then stuns Mavericks in emotional return sportando.basketball/en/luka-doncic… – 1:54 AM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Luka Dončić didn’t know what tonight would bring.
After scoring 45 points in a win over his former team, he was appreciative of the fan reception, but also happy to put today behind him.
On the wide-ranging emotions of Dončić’s 1st game back in Dallas:
ocregister.com/2025/04/09/lak… – 1:17 AM
Luka Dončić didn’t know what tonight would bring.
After scoring 45 points in a win over his former team, he was appreciative of the fan reception, but also happy to put today behind him.
On the wide-ranging emotions of Dončić’s 1st game back in Dallas:
ocregister.com/2025/04/09/lak… – 1:17 AM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron on being there for Doncic as a team tonight: “Our only concern was to support him.” – 10:23 PM
LeBron on being there for Doncic as a team tonight: “Our only concern was to support him.” – 10:23 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
JJ Redick said he was incredibly impressed with how Luka was able to live in the highly emotional moment before the game, and then still go out and be an absolute killer. – 10:16 PM
JJ Redick said he was incredibly impressed with how Luka was able to live in the highly emotional moment before the game, and then still go out and be an absolute killer. – 10:16 PM
Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins
What a pressure relief for Luka, I have never seen a player display true emotions like this, and still go out and be an assassin – 10:12 PM
What a pressure relief for Luka, I have never seen a player display true emotions like this, and still go out and be an assassin – 10:12 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic on ESPN, introspective, as we’ve rarely heard him:
“When I was watching that video I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game.’” – 10:10 PM
Doncic on ESPN, introspective, as we’ve rarely heard him:
“When I was watching that video I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game.’” – 10:10 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Luka Dončić exits to a standing ovation in his return to Dallas 👏 pic.x.com/Q0RZl1OXkX – 10:08 PM
Luka Dončić exits to a standing ovation in his return to Dallas 👏 pic.x.com/Q0RZl1OXkX – 10:08 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic on ESPN, introspective, as we’ve rarely heard him:
“When I was watching that video I was like, “There’s no way I’m playing this game.” – 10:08 PM
Doncic on ESPN, introspective, as we’ve rarely heard him:
“When I was watching that video I was like, “There’s no way I’m playing this game.” – 10:08 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Luka Dončić and Mark Cuban embrace postgame pic.x.com/gcSo9DU79C – 10:05 PM
Luka Dončić and Mark Cuban embrace postgame pic.x.com/gcSo9DU79C – 10:05 PM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Luka scored a season-high 45 points in his emotional return to Dallas. He began the game in tears during a tribute video, and ended it with both Mavericks fans and LeBron James chanting “Lu-ka.” – 10:05 PM
Luka scored a season-high 45 points in his emotional return to Dallas. He began the game in tears during a tribute video, and ended it with both Mavericks fans and LeBron James chanting “Lu-ka.” – 10:05 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
LUKA DONČIĆ SHOWED OUT IN HIS RETURN TO DALLAS 😤 pic.x.com/BWbZHxDFqg – 10:04 PM
LUKA DONČIĆ SHOWED OUT IN HIS RETURN TO DALLAS 😤 pic.x.com/BWbZHxDFqg – 10:04 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
The Lakers clinch a playoff berth with a 112-97 win in Dallas. Luka Doncic met the moment, tying a season high with 45 points. One more win in L.A.’s final two regular season games — home Friday vs. HOU or on the road Sunday in POR — will secure the No. 3 seed in the West. – 10:04 PM
The Lakers clinch a playoff berth with a 112-97 win in Dallas. Luka Doncic met the moment, tying a season high with 45 points. One more win in L.A.’s final two regular season games — home Friday vs. HOU or on the road Sunday in POR — will secure the No. 3 seed in the West. – 10:04 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Luka Doncic is undefeated against Texas teams as a Laker. pic.x.com/6DJ1lGxnWb – 10:04 PM
Luka Doncic is undefeated against Texas teams as a Laker. pic.x.com/6DJ1lGxnWb – 10:04 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Luka in his return to Dallas:
45 PTS
8 REB
6 AST
4 STL
7 3PM
Nice one Nico. pic.x.com/QNVZHaYHZZ – 10:03 PM
Luka in his return to Dallas:
45 PTS
8 REB
6 AST
4 STL
7 3PM
Nice one Nico. pic.x.com/QNVZHaYHZZ – 10:03 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Luka finishes with 45 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals. Lakers roll over the Mavericks late for a 112-97 win. Mavericks now 38-42 and will almost certainly play at Sacramento next Wednesday in the play-in opener. – 10:03 PM
Luka finishes with 45 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals. Lakers roll over the Mavericks late for a 112-97 win. Mavericks now 38-42 and will almost certainly play at Sacramento next Wednesday in the play-in opener. – 10:03 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Final: Lakers 112, Mavericks 97.
Luka Doncic finished with 45 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in his first game back in Dallas.
LeBron James: 27 points, 7 seven rebounds.
LAL (49-31) clinch a playoff spot (top-6 seed) in the West. – 10:03 PM
Final: Lakers 112, Mavericks 97.
Luka Doncic finished with 45 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in his first game back in Dallas.
LeBron James: 27 points, 7 seven rebounds.
LAL (49-31) clinch a playoff spot (top-6 seed) in the West. – 10:03 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The Mavs lost to the Lakers in Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas, which means the Suns are still technically alive in the play-in hunt. A loss to OKC tonight would mean elimination – 10:03 PM
The Mavs lost to the Lakers in Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas, which means the Suns are still technically alive in the play-in hunt. A loss to OKC tonight would mean elimination – 10:03 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Sounds like there are a lot of Luka Fans For Life in Dallas. – 10:01 PM
Sounds like there are a lot of Luka Fans For Life in Dallas. – 10:01 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
An impressive 3-game trip for the Lakers:
– Blow out OKC 126-99
– Lose in the rematch at OKC, after leading by 1 when Doncic is ejected
– Beat Dallas in an emotional return for Doncic – 10:01 PM
An impressive 3-game trip for the Lakers:
– Blow out OKC 126-99
– Lose in the rematch at OKC, after leading by 1 when Doncic is ejected
– Beat Dallas in an emotional return for Doncic – 10:01 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Luka Doncic comes to the bench during a timeout after tying his season high with 45 points and his Laker teammates joined in on the “Luka! Luka!” chant from the crowd. pic.x.com/Q7O0ohzX9J – 10:01 PM
Luka Doncic comes to the bench during a timeout after tying his season high with 45 points and his Laker teammates joined in on the “Luka! Luka!” chant from the crowd. pic.x.com/Q7O0ohzX9J – 10:01 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Luka getting a standing ovation from the Dallas crowd for putting the finishing touches on the Mavericks is the ultimate “Fire Nico!!!” chant. AK – 9:58 PM
Luka getting a standing ovation from the Dallas crowd for putting the finishing touches on the Mavericks is the ultimate “Fire Nico!!!” chant. AK – 9:58 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Lakers’ LeBron James eggs on the “Lu-ka! Lu-ka!” chants as Luka Doncic has 45 points and counting in Dallas return pic.x.com/g1iEAltInu – 9:58 PM
Lakers’ LeBron James eggs on the “Lu-ka! Lu-ka!” chants as Luka Doncic has 45 points and counting in Dallas return pic.x.com/g1iEAltInu – 9:58 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Incredible game by Luka…Just as important, BIG TIME W for the LakeShow – 9:58 PM
Incredible game by Luka…Just as important, BIG TIME W for the LakeShow – 9:58 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Loud “Luka! Luka!” chants after Luka Doncic walks to the Lakers’ bench after scoring a season-high-tying 45 points to give LAL a late 110-94 lead. pic.x.com/TIavTymB70 – 9:57 PM
Loud “Luka! Luka!” chants after Luka Doncic walks to the Lakers’ bench after scoring a season-high-tying 45 points to give LAL a late 110-94 lead. pic.x.com/TIavTymB70 – 9:57 PM
Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins
I have to give it to Luka. Dealing with the emotions and still having the Killer mentality to go out there give boys that work was something Special to witness tonight – 9:57 PM
I have to give it to Luka. Dealing with the emotions and still having the Killer mentality to go out there give boys that work was something Special to witness tonight – 9:57 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Luka Doncic just buried a deep 3, and then a baseline 2 to reach 45 points, securing the victory for the Lakers (up 110-94 with 1:35 to play).
The appreciative Mavericks fans gave him a standing ovation during a time out, and chanted his name. – 9:57 PM
Luka Doncic just buried a deep 3, and then a baseline 2 to reach 45 points, securing the victory for the Lakers (up 110-94 with 1:35 to play).
The appreciative Mavericks fans gave him a standing ovation during a time out, and chanted his name. – 9:57 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Huge cheers now for Luka as the Lakers take a commanding 110-94 lead with 1:35 left.
The chants of “Luka” are clear and and the Lakers are egging it on – 9:56 PM
Huge cheers now for Luka as the Lakers take a commanding 110-94 lead with 1:35 left.
The chants of “Luka” are clear and and the Lakers are egging it on – 9:56 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Not sure how Luka made that reverse layup high off the glass with all kinds of English, but it got him to 40 points and put LA up 12. – 9:52 PM
Not sure how Luka made that reverse layup high off the glass with all kinds of English, but it got him to 40 points and put LA up 12. – 9:52 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
It’s been months since the Luka Doncic trade and I still can’t believe it happened. 20 years from now I’ll wake up one morning and randomly think of the Luka Doncic trade and it STILL won’t make sense. The most stupefyingly stupid trade I’ve ever seen in any sport – 9:52 PM
It’s been months since the Luka Doncic trade and I still can’t believe it happened. 20 years from now I’ll wake up one morning and randomly think of the Luka Doncic trade and it STILL won’t make sense. The most stupefyingly stupid trade I’ve ever seen in any sport – 9:52 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Mavericks in a tough spot now, down 101-93 with 4:42 left. LeBron James has done the damage in the second half after Luka did so in the first. – 9:46 PM
Mavericks in a tough spot now, down 101-93 with 4:42 left. LeBron James has done the damage in the second half after Luka did so in the first. – 9:46 PM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Luka Doncic had 31 points in 18 minutes in the first half in his return to Dallas. Talk about making a statement… – 8:50 PM
Luka Doncic had 31 points in 18 minutes in the first half in his return to Dallas. Talk about making a statement… – 8:50 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Opponents with more than 30 points in a first half at Dallas, last 25 years:
32 – Jamal Murray, Denver, 1/14/25
31 – Stephen Jackson, Atlanta, 3/17/04
31 – Luka Doncic, L.A. Lakers, 4/9/25 – 8:46 PM
Opponents with more than 30 points in a first half at Dallas, last 25 years:
32 – Jamal Murray, Denver, 1/14/25
31 – Stephen Jackson, Atlanta, 3/17/04
31 – Luka Doncic, L.A. Lakers, 4/9/25 – 8:46 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Halftime: Lakers 60, Mavericks 57.
Luka Doncic scored over half of LAL’s points in the opening two quarters of his return to Dallas, recording 31 points (11-16 shooting, 6-8 on 3s) to go with 3 assists and 3 rebounds. – 8:42 PM
Halftime: Lakers 60, Mavericks 57.
Luka Doncic scored over half of LAL’s points in the opening two quarters of his return to Dallas, recording 31 points (11-16 shooting, 6-8 on 3s) to go with 3 assists and 3 rebounds. – 8:42 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Luka in his return to Dallas:
31 PTS
3 REB
3 STL
6 3PM
83 TS%
Great ga—wait it’s only halftime? pic.x.com/K8RxezaInl – 8:41 PM
Luka in his return to Dallas:
31 PTS
3 REB
3 STL
6 3PM
83 TS%
Great ga—wait it’s only halftime? pic.x.com/K8RxezaInl – 8:41 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
We have the makings of a pretty epic night here:
Luka Doncic is up to 31 pts already on 11-for-16 shooting (6-for-8 from 3).
The Lakers are up 60-57 at the break. – 8:40 PM
We have the makings of a pretty epic night here:
Luka Doncic is up to 31 pts already on 11-for-16 shooting (6-for-8 from 3).
The Lakers are up 60-57 at the break. – 8:40 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Luka Doncic’s first half in his return to Dallas:
– 31 points
– 11 of 16 FG’s
– 4 buckets at the rim
– 6 of 8 3’s
– 3 of 6 FT’s
– 3 assists
– 3 boards
– 3 steals – 8:40 PM
Luka Doncic’s first half in his return to Dallas:
– 31 points
– 11 of 16 FG’s
– 4 buckets at the rim
– 6 of 8 3’s
– 3 of 6 FT’s
– 3 assists
– 3 boards
– 3 steals – 8:40 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Luka Doncic with his sixth 3-pointer of the first half, putting him at 31 points so far. – 8:40 PM
Luka Doncic with his sixth 3-pointer of the first half, putting him at 31 points so far. – 8:40 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
The Martin 2-pointer at the end of the shot clock was ruled to be late subsequently, so LA get 2 points back on the scoreboard.
They lead 53-47 after Doncic split FT’s. – 8:34 PM
The Martin 2-pointer at the end of the shot clock was ruled to be late subsequently, so LA get 2 points back on the scoreboard.
They lead 53-47 after Doncic split FT’s. – 8:34 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Hey remember when Nico Harrison traded Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis?
See you in hell. – 8:32 PM
Hey remember when Nico Harrison traded Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis?
See you in hell. – 8:32 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Luka Doncic is halfway to half-a-hundred adn the Lakers lead 52-49 with 3:26 left in the first half. – 8:32 PM
Luka Doncic is halfway to half-a-hundred adn the Lakers lead 52-49 with 3:26 left in the first half. – 8:32 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
With all of the emotion in the building directed around him, Luka Doncic has been brilliant, up to 22 points on 8 of 12 FG’s with 4 triples, 3 boards, 2 assists and 2 steals in 14 minutes.
LA lead 49-45. – 8:28 PM
With all of the emotion in the building directed around him, Luka Doncic has been brilliant, up to 22 points on 8 of 12 FG’s with 4 triples, 3 boards, 2 assists and 2 steals in 14 minutes.
LA lead 49-45. – 8:28 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Doncic twice got to the rim and finished to reach 18 points in his 11 minutes, using a great screen from DFS for the second bucket.
That capped a 6-0 push to tie the game at 40 with 7:24 left in the 2nd Q. – 8:23 PM
Doncic twice got to the rim and finished to reach 18 points in his 11 minutes, using a great screen from DFS for the second bucket.
That capped a 6-0 push to tie the game at 40 with 7:24 left in the 2nd Q. – 8:23 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Dorian Finney-Smith with Gortat screens on back-to-back Luka Doncic layups to tie Lakers-Mavericks at 40 apiece.
Doncic is up to 18 points on 7-11 shooting (3-5 on 3s) midway through the 2Q. – 8:23 PM
Dorian Finney-Smith with Gortat screens on back-to-back Luka Doncic layups to tie Lakers-Mavericks at 40 apiece.
Doncic is up to 18 points on 7-11 shooting (3-5 on 3s) midway through the 2Q. – 8:23 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
And, of course, Luka makes his traditional off-the-shot-clock shot to start the Lakers’ layup line. pic.x.com/CeJ5b7Q2ma – 7:19 PM
And, of course, Luka makes his traditional off-the-shot-clock shot to start the Lakers’ layup line. pic.x.com/CeJ5b7Q2ma – 7:19 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Luka Dončić’s going through warm-ups I had of his first game back in Dallas.
He walked off to cheers from the fans in attendance early when leaving the court: pic.x.com/XLucLLyJxa – 6:48 PM
Luka Dončić’s going through warm-ups I had of his first game back in Dallas.
He walked off to cheers from the fans in attendance early when leaving the court: pic.x.com/XLucLLyJxa – 6:48 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Luka stepped on the floor for his pregame shooting session, massive cheers. When he left… massive cheers
He’s gonna be cheered every time he dribbles the ball tonight – 6:47 PM
Luka stepped on the floor for his pregame shooting session, massive cheers. When he left… massive cheers
He’s gonna be cheered every time he dribbles the ball tonight – 6:47 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Lakers’ Luka Doncic cash from half court in Dallas pic.x.com/A4oeiRtl9V – 6:45 PM
Lakers’ Luka Doncic cash from half court in Dallas pic.x.com/A4oeiRtl9V – 6:45 PM
Cameron Tabatabaie @CTabatabaie
A closer look at the Luka 4s from Jordan Brand ahead of his return to Dallas tonight for Lakers-Mavs pic.x.com/5Zklmvcs9i – 6:43 PM
A closer look at the Luka 4s from Jordan Brand ahead of his return to Dallas tonight for Lakers-Mavs pic.x.com/5Zklmvcs9i – 6:43 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Lakers’ Luka Doncic takes the court for warmups before his first return game in Dallas since The Trade pic.x.com/7R13WgH42C – 6:34 PM
Lakers’ Luka Doncic takes the court for warmups before his first return game in Dallas since The Trade pic.x.com/7R13WgH42C – 6:34 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks LIVE: Score, updates, highlights, news, analysis for Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas
Our live blog for Doncic’s return to Dallas is up and running, check it out.
nbcsports.com/nba/live/los-a… – 6:24 PM
Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks LIVE: Score, updates, highlights, news, analysis for Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas
Our live blog for Doncic’s return to Dallas is up and running, check it out.
nbcsports.com/nba/live/los-a… – 6:24 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
Full pregame quote from Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who said that “some have compared it to Babe Ruth, which is kind of cool” regarding the Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers: pic.x.com/vJlXZBEqQ2 – 6:23 PM
Full pregame quote from Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who said that “some have compared it to Babe Ruth, which is kind of cool” regarding the Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers: pic.x.com/vJlXZBEqQ2 – 6:23 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
JJ Redick on his message to the team tonight: “We’ve got your back.”
Of course he’s referring to Doncic in his first game back in Dallas. – 6:05 PM
JJ Redick on his message to the team tonight: “We’ve got your back.”
Of course he’s referring to Doncic in his first game back in Dallas. – 6:05 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
JJ Redick on the team’s message tonight in light of Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas: “We got your back.” – 6:03 PM
JJ Redick on the team’s message tonight in light of Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas: “We got your back.” – 6:03 PM
More on this storyline
“Greg [St. Jean] said to me, ‘This is going to be awesome for our group to go through this with him and for him to go through this with them,’” Redick said of his conversation with one of the assistant coaches on his staff. “Does that mean we’re going to win an NBA championship or get to the conference finals? I don’t know. But it was an awesome moment for everyone.” -via ESPN / April 10, 2025
The day was a spectacle as much as it was a basketball game. Fans gathered at the plaza where Dirk Nowitzki’s statue stands outside the arena hours before tipoff, some to celebrate Doncic’s return and others to vent their frustration that Doncic had to ever be returning in the first place. There were signs. There were chants. One fan, dressed in a blue Doncic Mavericks jersey, Mavericks shorts and a pair of Doncic signature Jordan sneakers, spent the afternoon running 77 laps around the arena in his own form of protest. Doncic’s emotions mirrored the fan base. “It was a little bit of both, happy and angry,” Doncic said of what he felt when he pulled up to the arena in his Apocalypse HellFire Jeep. “But it’s nice to see some familiar faces here. … I really appreciate the fans, the way they reacted to me.” -via ESPN / April 10, 2025
Fans blasted Mavs GM Nico Harrison during the game with some “Fire Nico” chants, which have become quite common at home games since the trade. Mark Cuban, the former majority owner of the team, was sitting court-side and he didn’t seem to like those chants at all. -via Sports Illustrated / April 10, 2025
