Luka Doncic’s Return to Dallas

The right side of Jennifer Jolly-Peoples’s homemade T-shirt was crafted with a Dallas Mavericks City Edition shirt bearing Luka Doncic’s name and number. The left side used a cut-up Los Angeles Lakers T-shirt with the letters and digits to match.

It could’ve been the required uniform for spectators torn between a nostalgic past and a present they’ve yet to accept.

The Complicated Feelings of Mavericks Fans

Doncic, in his first game at American Airlines Center since the Mavericks traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers in a stunning blockbuster deal Feb. 1, either revived or reinforced the complicated feelings his former team’s fanbase has been left to sift through for more than two months. His return elicited equal parts anger, sadness, joy and praise for all parties involved.

It was evident in the number of Doncic jerseys that populated the arena and the “Lu-ka” chants that broke out during his two-minute long pregame tribute video.

A Divided Fanbase

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd acknowledged pregame that fans had every right to boo and cheer. He also hoped Wednesday’s game would give fans an opportunity to “say hi or say bye” to Doncic after the late-night trade caught all by surprise.

Fans who spoke to The Dallas Morning News waived off any inclination of closure, though, and cursed Kidd’s belief that they’ll “come to grips” with the trade.

Protests and Tributes

It was evident after a billboard calling for the firing of general manager Nico Harrison circled the stadium on a flatbed and after clown noses were handed out to fans who wanted to ridicule management.

The first “Fire Nico” chant broke out four seconds into the game when Lakers forward LeBron James was at the free throw line. The second, at the 8:34 mark of the first quarter, was louder and more in sync. Several more rang through the arena between then and the final buzzer and were woven in and around cheers for each Doncic basket and spectacular pass.

Photos: Luka Doncic returns to Dallas with LA Lakers

Fans’ Reactions

“I am the hugest Mavs fan, and I am still upset,” said Jolly-Peoples, a Plano resident whose mother stitched the shirt up the middle for her. “I’d like to see him absolutely destroy.”

Oh, Doncic did, with 45 points, eight rebounds and six assists in a 112-97 win. The cheers for his first touch boomed and the ensuing spurts of joy for each of his baskets either mirrored or dwarfed the love that the hometown team received as it jockeyed for a playoff position.

A Night to Remember

The postseason, though, felt like something between a footnote and an afterthought Wednesday night. The focus was trained on Doncic and those who were involved in his departure. One fan, outside the arena more than one hour prior to tipoff, wore a blue T-shirt that read “Fire Nico” on the front and “Mavs Fans For Luka” on the back. Another covered a T-shirt that bore the resemblance of Harrison in clown makeup with a Doncic jersey. He placed one finger over his lips and let out a “shh” when spotted.

His peers weren’t as silent.

“I just wanted to see him once for the last time,” Tony Chen said Wednesday outside American Airlines Center, “to see him come back.”

Chen, a Richardson native, purchased tickets for his friend Samuel Wang’s birthday on Tuesday. Secondary market tickets ran anywhere between $250 and $1,500 the day before the game. Chen playfully pushed Wang out of earshot before he admitted how much each ticket had cost him.

“They were like $800 for both,” Chen said. “I think it’s worth it.”

Conclusion

Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas was a night to remember, with a mix of emotions from the fans. While some were still upset about the trade, others were excited to see their former star player again. The game was a testament to the complicated feelings of the Mavericks fanbase, and it’s clear that Doncic will always be remembered as a beloved player in Dallas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the reaction of Mavericks fans to Luka Doncic’s return?

A: The reaction was mixed, with some fans still upset about the trade and others excited to see their former star player again.

Q: How much did tickets cost for the game?

A: Secondary market tickets ran anywhere between $250 and $1,500 the day before the game.

Q: What was the score of the game?

A: The Los Angeles Lakers won the game 112-97, with Luka Doncic scoring 45 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

Q: What was the atmosphere like at the American Airlines Center?

A: The atmosphere was electric, with a mix of cheers and boos for Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. The crowd was divided, with some fans wearing Mavericks gear and others wearing Lakers gear.