Luka Dončić data triple double in first recreation in opposition to Dallas Mavericks
Taking part in in opposition to his former crew for the primary time, Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić recorded a triple double in a 107-99 win in opposition to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.
Dončić scored 19 factors, dished 12 assists and picked up 15 rebounds for Los Angeles, which improved to 34-21 with the victory.
The Lakers had been taking part in the Mavericks for the primary time since buying and selling for Dončić on Feb. 2, a transfer that shocked the NBA world. The sport occurred in Dončić’s new house of L.A.
“I do not know the right way to clarify it. It was simply completely different,” Dončić advised TNT after the sport in regards to the feelings he felt taking part in in opposition to his outdated crew. He added that he went by way of his regular routine earlier than the sport to assist keep his focus.
Dončić started the sport sturdy, scoring 9 factors to go together with seven rebounds and 4 assists by way of just one quarter. Followers hoping for a revengeful scoring outburst had been left wanting somewhat extra, nonetheless, as Dončić — a profession 28.6 factors per recreation scorer — added solely 10 factors over the ultimate three quarters.
Dallas hounded its former celebrity with fixed double groups, turning Dončić into extra of a facilitator than shooter. LeBron James led Los Angeles in scoring with 27 factors, together with 16 within the fourth quarter.
Kyrie Irving paced the Mavericks with 35 in a dropping effort.
Dallas was with out a number of key gamers, most notably large man Anthony Davis, who was acquired by the crew within the Doncic commerce. Davis, who received a championship with the Lakers in 2020, has not performed since Feb. 8 resulting from a thigh damage. He was honored by Los Angeles throughout the recreation with a tribute video.
After Tuesday’s win, Dončić has now performed in 5 video games with the Lakers. He has scored greater than 20 factors solely as soon as in these 5 appearances, with the crew posting a 3-2 document.
Up to now in his tenure with Los Angeles, Dončić is averaging 19.0 factors, 7.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists a contest.
Dončić will get one other crack on the Mavericks earlier than the tip of the common season. The Lakers are scheduled to play in Dallas on April 9, which will likely be Dončić’s first return to town for the reason that commerce.
“The closure goes to take some time,” Dončić stated in his postgame press convention. “I’m glad this recreation is over. Quite a lot of feelings. Daily is best.”
