A game everyone was waiting for with bated breath is finally through and to the surprise of probably no one, the Los Angeles Lakers breezed through the game, winning it 112-97 against their opponents, the Dallas Mavericks. And Luka Doncic, for whom it was the first time back in Dallas, was the star player for the night, as he scored 45 points. But apparently, his head coach, JJ Redick, wasn’t very happy with his scoresheet and wanted even more. All in good fun though.
J J Redick’s disappointment with Luka Doncic
The Los Angeles Lakers were in Dallas, Texas, to face the Mavericks for the first time since the stunning Luka Doncic trade that shook the whole of the NBA. So this was the first time that the Slovenian basketball player was back in Dallas since he was traded to LA. And given the circumstances of his departure, everyone in the arena was looking to Doncic to see what he would be like on the court.
And he didn’t disappoint, no matter what JJ Redick said. Doncic was the highest scorer of the night, with 45 points, 6 assists, and 8 rebounds. His coach said that he was hoping for a 50 from the Lakers star, and was “disappointed” that he didn’t get it. Obviously, it was said in good fun, as Doncic gave a phenomenal performance against his former team. And even if he couldn’t reach 50, his work rate was fantastic for the night.
Luka Doncic and Dallas Mavericks’ former owner share a quick moment
Luka Doncic, the star player of the night, got a standing ovation at the end of the game from his once home crowd. Not just Lakers fans, even the Dallas fans were all on their feet to cheer for the #77 star who once graced the American Airlines Center day in and day out. So now that he plays for another team, having him back for the first time was a big moment for the star as well as the fans, who were the most upset with the trade news.
Mark Cuban, the former owner of the Dallas Mavericks, was also present for the game against the Lakers and shook hands with the ex-Mavs player and gave him a hug after the game. Even his ex-teammates seemed happy to see him, and all looked to be in happy spirits having the NBA All-Star there.
