Luka Doncic receives a standing ovation from Mavericks fans after he leaves the game with 45 points in his return to Dallas. (2:01)
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The first question for many NBA fans after the Dallas Mavericks shockingly traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 2 was simple: When do the Lakers next play in Dallas?
The answer: April 9, a nine-week wait for what ultimately would become one of the most anticipated regular-season games.
Sure, the Mavericks already had traveled to face Doncic and his new team on March 1, a 109-104 Lakers victory.
But Wednesday night’s contest at American Airlines Center was the league’s must-see event of the second half.
Doncic, the crowd in Dallas and both teams met the moment, and the Mavericks’ former star reminded his former franchise why fans held protests, and even a symbolic funeral, after the trade.
Behind 45 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, Doncic led the Lakers to a 112-97 win, clinching a playoff spot for Los Angeles in the process. Following an emotional pregame intro, Doncic poured in 31 first-half points as the crowd erupted with each touch.
From what the atmosphere was like inside the arena to what the Mavericks can do in the offseason and what this victory might mean for the Lakers’ playoff chances, our ESPN insiders tackle the biggest questions from Doncic’s first game back in Dallas.
play 2:52 Luka fights back tears during touching tribute from Mavs The Mavericks show their love and appreciation for Luka Doncic with touching tribute.
1. The atmosphere in Dallas on Wednesday was _______
Emotional, electrifying and extremely awkward at times.
Tears flowed down Doncic’s cheeks as the Mavericks’ tribute video for him played before his turn in pregame introductions. He’s still clearly getting over the heartbreak after suddenly being shipped away from the city he hoped would be his NBA home forever. Editor’s Picks Luka Doncic is ‘still adapting’ two months after trade to Lakers Tim MacMahon
28 Luka trades: What every NBA team could have offered the Mavs Bobby Marks
LeBron James, Luka Doncic and the one player who could swing the playoffs for the Lakers Dave McMenamin 2 Related
That was a sentiment shared by the vast majority of folks who filled American Airlines Center. That included Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki, who attended his first Dallas home game since the Doncic trade. (The only other NBA game Nowitzki has watched in person since Feb. 1? His buddy Doncic’s Lakers debut in Los Angeles.)
A small percentage of the fans wore the white giveaway T-shirts with