
Breaking Down Luka’s First Game Back in Dallas, Texas After the Trade
It's the game Mavericks fans had circled since the trade happened and a lot went down at American Airlines Center last night.
Let's go in chronological order of what went down last night. First let's start with some positive news. A man ran 77 laps around American Airlines Center for the Luka Doncic Foundation. It was just over 28 miles he ran. You can check out some footage of that below.
Looks like the man who goes as Goldy on X raised a bunch of money for the foundation. Many fans donated $77 to help him reach his goal and also to honor Luka.
Free Clown Noses for Fans
Some Mavericks fans were selling 'Fire Nico' shirts or 'Mavs Fans for Luka' merch. However, one guy was just giving away hundred of clown noses to mock the GM that made the trade. It's sad to see an organization that was in the NBA Finals just last year is now a joke.
Gatorade Drops New Luka Commercial
Hours before tipoff, Gatorade dropped the commercial above with the words 'No Love Lost. Only Sweat.' Luka's towel also appears to read 'Traitor', however a T cannot be seen and many believe this is a direct shot at Nico Harrison.
Mavs Tribute to Luka Doncic
Without a doubt the most emotional moment of the night came when the Los Angles Lakers were introduced. The Mavs made a video package with great Luka moments throughout the past seven years. Luka couldn't handle his emotions and broke down in tears on the Lakers bench. It feels like he never wanted to see that tribute package until he finished his career in Dallas as a Maverick.
Fire Nico Chants Were Never Louder Than Last Night
Fans have been trying to get the Fire Nico chant going at games and have been thrown out over the past several weeks. You could tell this game the fans were ready to fight back if they were threatened to be kicked out. The chant was so loud early in the game, I could hear it over the Mavericks TV announcers.
Dallas Mavericks GM Hides in the Tunnel
Nico Harrison took his place where he has at every home game since the trade. In the tunnel, surrounded by security.
Mark Cuban Looks Disgusted During Game
I was surprised that Mark Cuban did not wear a Luka jersey last night. He was wearing an Anthony Davis shirsey. He just shook his head while the 'Fire Nico' chants were going on.
Luka Gets Cheered Checking Out of the Game
With the victory in hand, Luka exited the court early with 45 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals. Those 45 points are the most he has scored this season and of course it came against his former team. It was one of the weirdest games I ever watched last night. Mavs score, crowd cheers. Luka scores, crowd cheers just as loud. Any defense chants the Mavs tried to get going were ignored by fans in attendance. They wanted Luka to go off and show this management team they made the wrong decision.
Dallas Furniture Store Takes Shot at Mavericks
If you watched the broadcast on ESPN, you probably missed this. The Dallas Mavericks broadcast had this commercial (broken up into three parts) throughout the night showing a furniture store 'trading' away their best selling sectional. Home Zone is one of the biggest Mavericks advertisers and them taking a shot at the team on this night was a very smart move.
Mavericks Clinch the Play-In Tournament
The team that represented the Western Conference in the Finals is now a play-in team going into the playoffs. According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, the Mavericks are losing millions of dollars since the trade. Fans have cancelled season tickets, advertisers are pulling away, and merch sales are down since Luka has left. Tim predicts the Mavs will lose dozens of millions in dollars due to the trade.
The only thing I think will bring the Mavericks fans any joy is if Nico Harrison is fired, but I need an old school Vince McMahon firing. Where you're berated before leaving the building.
The play-in tournament starts next week. Let's see if the Mavericks can even make it out and make their way into the actual playoffs.
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