Luka Doncic didn’t have much opportunity to say goodbye to the Dallas Mavericks supporters when he was traded midseason. On Wednesday, however, he made his first return to the American Airlines Center following that unexpected move, resulting in an emotionally charged reunion with the fans who had always shown him their support throughout his time in Dallas.
Despite his sudden exit, the Mavericks welcomed Doncic back with a heartfelt tribute video. Watching from the bench, Doncic appeared overwhelmed with emotion as he relived some of his most memorable plays in a Mavericks jersey, struggling to hold back tears as nostalgia washed over him.
The evening concluded positively for Doncic, as his current team emerged victorious with a score of 112-97 against the Mavericks. In the post-game press briefing, Doncic revealed that the moment from the tribute video that resonated with him the most was his legendary shot from the Western Conference Finals.
“We were the underdogs in every series. The way we came together, played together. It was just another level,” he expressed.
Luka Dončić shared that the moment that resonated with him during the tribute video was the shot in the Western Conference Finals.
“We were the underdogs in every series. The way we came together, played together. It was just another level.” pic.twitter.com/p8twYrCd0I
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) April 10, 2025
The memorable shot Doncic referenced was his incredible stepback three-pointer against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Game 2 of the previous season’s Western Conference Finals. With just three seconds left, he made the shot over Rudy Gobert, completing an impressive comeback for the Mavericks. Doncic ended the game with 32 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds.
Luka Doncic Discusses the Emotional Impact of the Tribute Video
Prior to his appearance at the press conference, Luka Doncic candidly discussed the emotions he experienced while watching the tribute video. He revealed that at one point, he doubted whether he would even be able to play that night due to the intense feelings of nostalgia that washed over him.
“I don’t know how I did it. Because when I was watching that video, I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game’,” Doncic admitted.
During his emotional return to Dallas, Doncic achieved an impressive 45 points and eight rebounds against his former team. Since joining the Lakers, he has shown undeniable prowess on the court. With the Lakers now positioned as the third seed in the Western Conference, fans are eager to see Doncic and LeBron James collaborate in pursuit of the franchise’s long-awaited 18th NBA championship.
Image Source: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock
