DALLAS — Hours before the game, a crowd gathered outside the American Airlines Center, eager for a glimpse of a familiar face. “Luka`s here!” a fan exclaimed, pointing towards Dirk Nowitzki Way as a car approached, sparking excitement among the waiting fans.
Whether it was actually him or not didn`t matter as anticipation grew. Some fans even sprinted towards a black Jeep, hoping it might be Dončić arriving.
The Los Angeles Lakers were in town for the first time since the trade that sent Luka Dončić away in February. The impact of losing their star player was still evident as Dončić scored 45 points, leading the Lakers to a 112-97 victory over the Mavericks.
Before the game, Rizzy N`Kele, wearing a Nowitzki jersey, displayed a poster for Dončić that read, “Thanks For The Memories.” Fans added messages to the poster, hoping to convey their appreciation to Dončić.
“For Luka, Dallas will always be like a home game,” N`Kele commented, suggesting fans would likely continue to support him even against the Mavericks.
N`Kele set rules for the poster: no signing on Dončić`s photos and no “Fire Nico” messages. He wanted it to be a positive message from the city, despite ongoing frustration with Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, who orchestrated the trade.
Quickly, the poster filled with signatures. N`Kele packed it up and headed inside.
Earlier in the week, Dallas street artists Juan Velazquez and Armando Aguirre created a mural reflecting the anger towards Harrison and the Mavericks` organization.
Their mural simply stated: “Fire Nico.” Velazquez was inspired by a photo of Mavericks fan Chris Taylor who used duct tape to write the message on his hat, which became a rallying cry after the Dončić trade.
Velazquez raised money to create the mural, recreating Taylor`s hat with spray paint.
Taylor, viewing the mural, believed it would be impactful and well-received.
Taylor and Garrett Bussey had previously been ejected from a game for protesting the trade to Mark Cuban.
Despite leading “Fire Nico” chants at games, Taylor aimed for a more celebratory tone for Dončić`s return. However, he would join in if chants erupted.
Just seconds into the game, “Fire Nico” chants echoed through the arena and grew louder as the game went on.
FANS SHOWED UP in various Dončić jerseys – Lakers, Mavericks, Slovenian national team, and even Real Madrid gear.
Fans traveled from around the world for his return.
“He`s a global superstar,” said Robert Mohoric, part of a Slovenian group who spent a significant amount to attend. “Everyone knows him.”
Some Slovenian fans displayed their national flag and painted their faces.
Brian Goldsmith, a record-holding marathon runner, ran laps around the arena in a Dončić jersey and sneakers to honor his return and raise positivity.
Chop Sports Victory Park offered a special Luka-themed menu and drink, with proceeds benefiting Dončić`s foundation, raising a significant amount that night.
“Whether you`re a Laker or Mavericks fan, you appreciate Luka,” Goldsmith said, emphasizing the positive impact of Dončić`s foundation.
The night`s questions were about potential protests and crowd reactions.
Inside, each seat had a T-shirt reading “Hvala za vse” – “Thank you for everything” in Slovenian.
A tense atmosphere filled the arena. Dončić`s introduction was saved for last, followed by a tribute video and overwhelming cheers. Dončić was visibly moved.
Season-ticket holder Henry Neely expressed being emotionally touched by the tribute and Dončić`s reaction.
Throughout the game, fans chanted “MVP” for Dončić. He received a standing ovation when he left the game. N`Kele confirmed Dončić saw the fan-made banner after the game.
EARLIER PROTESTS saw Jake Reedy create and sell “Fire Nico” shirts, even wearing one inside the arena in February, sparking more sales and continued fan discontent.
Reedy sold shirts outside the arena on Wednesday, planning to donate some proceeds to Dončić`s foundation.
A truck drove by with a “FIRE NICO SELL THE TEAM” sign, and chants persisted throughout the night.
Walker Duke, previously ejected for protesting, wore a protest shirt but covered it to enter the arena.
Reedy felt their protests had an impact, noting policy changes and fan voices being heard.
Fans hoped the homecoming offered closure. Dončić himself found it a “hard question” whether he felt closure.
N`Kele remains a Mavericks fan, but expressed deeper disappointment in the trade compared to past team decisions.
Former season-ticket holder Luis Ellis saw the game as cathartic, allowing fans to show Dončić love and differentiate between the city and the front office.
The Mavericks made the play-in tournament, but fan enthusiasm has waned. Season-ticket renewals are uncertain for some.
Taylor, a long-time fan, is considering giving up his tickets, potentially ending his attendance at Mavericks games.