The Dallas Mavericks will face yet another challenging test on the basketball court when Luka Doncic makes his return to American Airlines Center for the first time as an opponent.
However, there’s an additional layer that Jason Kidd and the rest of the Mavericks are preparing for with Doncic’s return. An emotional component that will surely be present throughout the arena because of Doncic’s long-awaited return.
Doncic’s final moment in a Mavericks uniform was one of pain and disappointment. He limped off the floor with a left calf strain on Christmas Day and was a member of the Lakers by the time he was healthy enough to play. Very few knew it would be the last time he’d play for the franchise that acquired him in a draft day trade nearly seven years ago.
Kidd’s message to his team is to focus solely on basketball despite the bevy of distractions that could arise.
I think it’s just about the game,” Kidd said. “Fans have a right to cheer, understanding what he has done for this franchise in a short time. I think that’s right. The big thing for us is to stay in the moment and focus on what’s in front of us. If he scores, take the ball out, go the other way and just play the game. There will be a lot of emotions and a lot of cheers. Also, the Lakers travel well.”
Kidd, who was also stunningly traded to the Phoenix Suns by the Mavericks in 1996, said he couldn’t recall what it felt like to return to Dallas for the first time but assured that the experience can be sensitive given the history associated between a team and star player.
It is emotional anytime someone’s traded,” Kidd said. “Coming back for the first time or even the second time and third time because of the memories of [Doncic] being able to get to the Western Conference Finals, the Finals, to be an All-Star, the things that he has done in a short amount of time is incredible.
I don’t think it’s just this one time that it’ll be emotional. I think it’s going to be emotional for years to come. I think that’s safe to say and it’s fair. The fans here have a right to cheer for him.”
Doncic is averaging 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists in 25 games with the Lakers.
Anthony Davis, who was traded to Dallas alongside Max Christie, wasn’t available for the Feb. 25 meeting between the two teams in Los Angeles. He said Saturday that he wouldn’t bear any emotions going into his first game against James and the Lakers, and he reiterated those sentiments after Tuesday’s practice.
It’s another game,” Davis said. “Y’all make it bigger than what it needs to be. It’s another game for me. It’ll be Luka’s first time back, so there might be a lot of emotions from him being back in Dallas. For me, it’s another game trying to get better and make a step in the right direction for our team.”
Davis has experienced what Doncic will encounter for the first time. He made the game-winning free throws and scored a game-high 41 points in his first return to New Orleans as a member of the Lakers in 2019.
While Wednesday’s nationally televised game is expected to be one of the most anticipated returns for a player in recent memory, the Mavericks will try to block out the external noise and focus on the game — a mutually important game at that.
“I’ve been traded before. I’ve been through it,” Davis said. “I know what to expect and know how to funnel those emotions and just play basketball. That’s what makes the game fun. That’s what makes sports entertaining, having games like tomorrow in the regular season. It’s going to be fun.”
