The Mavericks fans, who’d chanted “Fire Nico” about Nico Harrison the Dallas general manager, who traded Doncic, chanted “Luka, Luka” repeatedly as LeBron James waved his arms to egg them on. Anthony Davis, who the Mavericks received for Doncic, had 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.

Besides, Dallas just made it to the Finals last year largely on the strength of its defense. From the P.J. Washington trade to the end of the 2023-24 campaign, the Mavericks were seventh in points allowed per 100 possessions. In the playoffs, the Thunder and Celtics were the only teams that made it past the first round and had better defenses.

Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison was reportedly upset with Luka Doncic’s early season injury before the trade.