Playing against his former team for the first time, the Los Angeles Lakers Guard, Luka Dončić, recorded a triple double in a 107-99 victory against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.
Dončić scored 19 points, repaired 12 assists and collected 15 rebounds for Los Angeles, which improved to 34-21 with victory.
The Lakers were playing the Mavericks for the first time since they exchanged Dončić on February 2, a movement that shocked the NBA world. The game took place at the new home of Dončić in Los Angeles
“I don’t know how to explain it. It was simply different, ”Dončić told TNT after the game about the emotions he felt playing against his former team. He added that he went through his normal routine before the game to help keep his focus.
Dončić began the strong game, scoring nine points to go with seven rebounds and four assists through only a room. However, fans waiting for a vindictive scoring outburst wanted a little more, since Dončić, a 28.6 points per scorer of the game, added only 10 points in the last three quarters.
Dallas harassed his former superstar with constant double teams, turning Dončić into more facilitator than Shooter. LeBron James led Los Angeles to score with 27 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter.
Kyrie Irving walked to the Mavericks with 35 in a losing effort.
Dallas was without several key players, especially the great man Anthony Davis, who was acquired by the team in the Doncic trade. Davis, who won a championship with the Lakers in 2020, has not played since February 8 due to a thigh injury. He was honored by Los Angeles during the game with a video tribute.
After Tuesday’s victory, Dončić has now played in five games with the Lakers. He has scored more than 20 points only once in those five appearances, with the team publishing a 3-2 record.
Until now in his mandate with Los Angeles, Dončić has an average of 19.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.8 helps a contest.
Dončić will get another crack in the Mavericks before the end of the regular season. The Lakers are scheduled to play in Dallas on April 9, which will be Dončić’s first return to the city.
“The closure will take time,” Dončić said at his press conference after the game. “I’m glad this game is over. Many emotions. Every day is better. “
