Luka Dončić quickly dispelled any remaining doubt about whether he would put up a show upon his return to the American Airlines Center. Before halftime, the former Mavericks wonder, who is currently wearing the purple and gold of the Los Angeles Lakers, scored 31 points, including a flurry of six three-pointers.

In an emotionally charged homecoming, Dončić scored 45 points by the time the final buzzer sounded, leading the Lakers to a decisive victory of 112–97. He made 11 of 16 field goals and made 6 of 8 long-range baskets in the first half alone, demonstrating his clinical play. With eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals over the course of the whole 48-minute game, he completed a strong all-around performance that made Dallas supporters remember why he was once the team's face.

Luka Dončić not only shone in the spotlight, he took charge of the moment. Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who made the transaction that changed the club, stood in the tunnel and watched the tempest he helped build play out.

The fans' message inside American Airlines Center was overwhelming. There were boos and cries demanding Harrison's dismissal, while Dončić received applause for each shot, each step, and each look at the audience.

Dončić put on a brilliant performance that rekindled Dallas' love and reminded everyone who once dominated that court that he could drop 31 points with surgical accuracy in just 19 first-half minutes.

It is debatable if it was personal or not. Perhaps Luka Dončić was unaware that Nico Harrison was observing from the audience. One thing was certain, though: the emotion circulating around the arena on Wednesday night gave him an extra spark.

The Lakers improved to 49–31 after defeating the Mavericks 112–97. They now have a 1.5-game lead over the No. 3 seed in the West with two games remaining in the regular season—tight margins, huge stakes.

Not only did Luka Dončić's relationship with the Mavericks worsen, it fell apart. According to accounts, Dallas' front staff had grown weary of his conditioning lapses, doubts about his commitment, and other simmering grievances that ultimately came to the surface when he was traded to the Lakers in early February.

Emotions will inevitably run hot when Dončić makes his first trip back to Dallas since the breakup. This is a reckoning, not just another road game.

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