Luka Dončić's 45-Point Showcase in Dallas Inflicts Pain on Mavericks
Luka Dončić made a stunning return to Dallas with a 45-point performance that left the Mavericks reeling from regret over the trade.
You want to talk about stunting on the ex that dumped you? Luka Dončić waltzed into Dallas on Wednesday and hung 45 points on the Mavericks in a take-that performance that had to have general manager Nico Harrison – and anybody else who had anything to do with what is likely the dumbest trade in sports history – absolutely dying inside, wondering, “What on earth did we do?”
Just a brief reminder: You traded one of the most talented basketball players to ever inhabit this planet smack dab in the middle of his prime. You ripped the soul out of an entire fanbase. You likely cost yourself hundreds of millions over the remainder of Dončić’s career, which should have been a two-decade windfall for the organization and city.
Patrick Dumont and Harrison can spin this however they want. But unless they are completely detached from reality, they must know how badly they screwed up.
Top moments from Luka Dončić’s Dallas return
NBA (@NBA) tweeted: “31 POINTS FOR LUKA DONČIĆ IN HIS FIRST HALF BACK IN DALLAS 🚨 pic.twitter.com/PVzxeTrMFD” — April 10, 2025.
Outside of the Dallas organization, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone not rooting for Dončić to continue racking up points. Fifty, sixty, even seventy felt possible with the way he was rolling early on. It didn’t quite play out that way, but after a relatively quiet six-point third quarter, Dončić fittingly sealed things with seven points in a two-minute stretch before exiting to a resounding ovation.
“LUKA” chant breaks out. Lakers bench loves it. pic.twitter.com/ANV8PM9JBO — Christian Clark (@cclark_13) April 10, 2025.
Meanwhile, that “Fire Nico” chorus? It broke out immediately after the opening tip. This left Harrison peeking out from the tunnel like the Politburo when chants of “Rocky” broke out in Russia.
That image says it all. A man stewing in regret, no matter how much he tries to play it cool. Wednesday night inflicted serious pain. Admitting error in your decision to trade a Hall-of-Fame player is painful enough, but watching him return and shine? That’s gut-wrenching.
Dončić poses a recurring nightmare for Harrison and a relentless reminder that it’s often those who believe they can outsmart the game who end up looking foolish.
He will return to Dallas every season, and he’s sure to come in swinging, making this a lasting reminder of their miscalculated trade.
