Everyone eyed the April 9 game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks when the Luka Doncic trade became final. Fans understood how momentous the game would be as the Mavs tried to rescue what had been a dumpster fire of a season for them.
While the Mavs organization showed class towards their former superstar with a lovely video tribute, it didn’t stop the Slovenian superstar from putting together an incredible performance in his first game at the American Airlines Center as a visitor.
This game may have finally made the trade feel real for some Mavs fans, but his new team is all behind their new star player. Aside from teammates’ comments, JJ Redick talked about Doncic’s performance and his take on the entire game.
JJ Redick thinks Luka Doncic should have scored 50 points for the Los Angeles Lakers against Dallas
Redick recognized that while Luka had played a great game against his former team, he jokingly said that he’s disappointed over his star Slovenian’s production not meeting his expectations for this game.
“I thought he was gonna get 50,” Redick told the press. “I was disappointed.”
However, the rookie head coach stated before the funny quip that how he was impressed with how Luka carried himself in that game:
“His ability to go perform—he’s teary-eyed still as we walked out on the court for the tip ball. To have the emotional resolve to put on that kind of performance is superhuman.”
Doncic finished the 112-97 victory with an impressive 45 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals against his former team.
Doncic declares he’s moving forward with the Lakers
Doncic made it clear in the presser that he’s still all over the place emotionally as he met former colleagues and fans, even claiming not to have slept much the night before the game.
“It’s nice to see some familiar faces here, I spent a lot of times with them,” Doncic said of the Mavs staff and fans. “I appreciate the fans, the way they reacted to me.”
However, his declaration after the win made it clear to everyone that he’s ready to move on and chase his first championship with the Purple and Gold.
“[Talking] about closure is sometimes hard because I spent a lot of time here, great moments. But like I say, I got to focus on different things now,” he said
This might not have been the fairy tale ending Mavs fans wanted with Doncic, but this might be the first step they need towards getting over the trade.
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