Luka Doncic Leads Mavericks, but Lakers Come Back for 116-110 Win
Lakers Rally to Defeat Mavericks as Luka Dončić Shines
In an electrifying matchup on Saturday night, Luka Dončić delivered a stellar performance with 33 points and 11 assists, but it was the Los Angeles Lakers who emerged victorious, overcoming a 15-point deficit to win 116-110 against the Dallas Mavericks. This game marked Dončić’s second appearance in Dallas since his surprising trade to Los Angeles nearly a year ago.
LeBron James played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ comeback, contributing 11 of his 17 points in a decisive fourth quarter. Rui Hachimura ignited the rally with a crucial four-point play, followed by a 3-pointer that allowed the Lakers to take the lead for good. This victory also marked Dončić’s personal 4-0 record against his former team.
Hachimura’s three-pointer, which put the Lakers ahead 108-106, fueled an 11-2 run, capped by a driving layup from Dončić, prompting him to gesture toward his old bench as he seemingly sealed the game.
Max Christie, who was traded alongside the injured 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis for Dončić, shone for Dallas with 24 points, while Naji Marshall added 21 points and 11 rebounds. The defeat ended Dallas’ season-high four-game winning streak.
The Mavericks initially dominated the game, outscoring the Lakers 41-14 from the start of the third quarter into early fourth, transforming a 13-point deficit into a commanding 14-point lead. Brandon Williams contributed notably, scoring 20 points, including eight during a 10-2 run to finish the third quarter after a 20-4 burst by the Mavericks.
As the final seven minutes approached, the Lakers, led by James, began their comeback, shaking off a slow start that had left James with a minus-28 rating early in the fourth.
Unlike his emotional return to Dallas last season, which saw him tear up during a tribute video, Dončić handled the situation with composure. The NBA’s leading scorer was remarkably precise, finishing 14 of 15 from the free-throw line.
