Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas was expected to be emotional. Last season, it turned into a scoring showcase. This time, it was his defense — not his shot-making — that defined the night.
Doncic delivered key defensive stops down the stretch as the Los Angeles Lakers erased a late 15-point deficit and stunned the Dallas Mavericks 116-110 on Saturday night at American Airlines Center.
The Mavericks appeared firmly in control midway through the fourth quarter, leading by 15 with 7:41 remaining. But Los Angeles flipped the game with a dominant 29-8 closing run, fueled by defensive intensity and timely execution.
Dallas repeatedly tried to target Doncic on defense during the comeback, a strategy Lakers coach JJ Redick said backfired.
“We counted after the game — he had six straight stops where they went at him,” Redick said. “Just a fantastic job from him. Then he makes the game-sealing defensive play with the charge.”
That defining moment came with 41.8 seconds remaining, when Doncic stepped in front of former teammate Naji Marshall to draw an offensive foul. The play came just one possession after Doncic sliced through the defense for a finger-roll layup that extended the Lakers’ lead to eight.
“It’s a special place,” Doncic said of Dallas. “I want to win every game, but obviously this one is a little bit different.”
The star guard finished with 33 points on 8-of-15 shooting, along with 11 assists and eight rebounds — a complete performance that came one night after Redick publicly challenged him to trust his teammates more following a loss to the Clippers.
“Everybody had a great game,” Doncic said. “The ball was shared. Fifteen shots for me — I take JJ’s point.”
LeBron James provided leadership in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of his 17 points in the final frame. Rui Hachimura added seven of his 17 points late, including a four-point play and a clutch three-pointer that gave Los Angeles the lead with just over two minutes remaining.
Marcus Smart also delivered despite dealing with pain. The veteran guard scored seven of his 13 points in the fourth quarter and revealed afterward that he briefly dislocated his right index finger — the same finger he had surgery on during the offseason.
“My finger popped out,” Smart said. “I had to put it back in. Popped it right back in.”
Saturday’s win marked the Lakers’ third victory in their last four games and hinted at growing momentum as they continue a road trip through the Western Conference.
Unlike Doncic’s first return to Dallas last season — which included pregame tears and a 45-point explosion — this visit was quieter but no less meaningful. The crowd welcomed him warmly, chanting “MVP” during free throws and filling the arena despite icy road conditions.
“That was really special,” Doncic said. “I didn’t know what to expect with the weather, but I really appreciate the people who showed up.”
The Lakers may soon receive an additional boost, with Austin Reaves expected to return as early as Wednesday in Cleveland after missing time with a left calf strain.
“That’s the unknown, but that’s what you hope for,” James said. “For now, we prepare for Chicago. We’ve got to keep this road trip going.”
If Saturday’s finish is any indication, the Lakers are starting to resemble a team capable of making noise — and Luka Doncic is proving he can change games even without dominating the scoreboard.
