By Harshit
LOS ANGELES, NOV. 29 —
The spotlight inside Crypto.com Arena felt familiar, but the storylines were anything but. Luka Doncic, now the driving force of the Los Angeles Lakers, faced his former team for the first time at home since the blockbuster February trade — and he wasted no time reminding the Mavericks why he once defined their franchise.
The Lakers entered the night riding a five-game winning streak. Dallas arrived trying to stabilize after dropping four of its last five. Between lingering injuries, emotional returns, and rising tensions, the matchup quickly transformed into one of the most compelling games of the NBA Cup’s final group-stage night.
Luka Doncic Sets the Tone Early
Doncic opened the game with instant electricity, carving the Dallas defense for 10 first-quarter points while threading three assists. His signature stepbacks and cross-court lasers paced a 28–22 Lakers advantage after the opening period.
Even when double-teamed, he continued manufacturing offense. By halftime he had 18 points, six assists, and an unshakeable command of the floor, helping keep Los Angeles within striking distance as the Mavericks grabbed a late 62–60 lead.
The Slovenian star entered the night averaging 35.2 points, the league’s scoring lead, and had scored 33+ in four straight games. His play reflected that form — especially as the second half unfolded.
Anthony Davis Returns to L.A. — In a New Uniform
All eyes weren’t on Doncic alone. Anthony Davis, who went to Dallas in the trade, made his return to the Lakers’ home court after missing nearly a month with a calf strain.
He opened quietly, with just two early points, but his defensive presence eventually emerged. Davis blocked shots, contested drives, and scored in spurts, helping pull Dallas into a back-and-forth rhythm during the second and third quarters.
A contested jumper over LeBron James gave the Mavericks a 110–109 lead in crunch time — a symbolic moment on a night full of emotional undertones. But the Lakers quickly countered.
Momentum Swings Define the Middle Quarters
The Lakers seized control midway through the third quarter with a 22–8 run, sparked by LeBron’s physical drives and Austin Reaves’ streaky scoring. Reaves, who finished the half with 19, absorbed contact, hit threes, and steadied the offense during stretches when Doncic rested.
Dallas, however, refused to fold.
Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg delivered timely buckets, while P.J. Washington anchored the attack with 16 points. Naji Marshall fueled a late-third-quarter surge, trimming the gap to 98–94 entering the fourth.
Despite the swings, Doncic remained the show. He reached 30 points late in the third with another long-range dagger, signaling yet another high-volume night.
Fourth Quarter: Lakers Push Back the Mavericks’ Charge
The final 12 minutes began with Los Angeles clinging to a four-point edge.
Dallas briefly seized momentum — cutting the deficit to 109–108 behind a three from Ryan Nembhard and a massive block from Davis. Moments later, Davis muscled in a jumper to take a 110–109 lead, silencing the arena.
But the Lakers answered emphatically.
LeBron initiated the turnaround, Rui Hachimura drilled a corner three, and the team ripped off an 8–0 burst to regain a 117–110 advantage. The run grew the lead to 119–111 entering the final minutes, positioning Los Angeles to extend its streak.
KEY POINTS: Lakers vs. Mavericks
• Luka Doncic’s night (through three quarters):
– 30 points
– 8 assists
– 7 three-pointers
– Dominant first quarter set the tone
• Anthony Davis’ return:
– First game since Oct. 29
– Limited early but impactful defensively
– Scored key fourth-quarter basket against LeBron
• Lakers key performers:
– Austin Reaves delivered scoring spurts (19 in first half)
– LeBron orchestrated the third-quarter run
– Rui Hachimura hit clutch shots late
• Mavericks struggles:
– 4 losses in last 5
– No consistent leading scorer over last five games
– Dallas defense collapsed late in the fourth
• Stakes:
– Lakers chasing sixth straight win
– Final NBA Cup group-stage game
– Emotional first home return for Davis