The Dallas Mavericks are adjusting to life without Luka Doncic far earlier than anyone expected. They won their first home game without Doncic with an impressive 116 – 105 against Texas rivals Houston Rockets – and the new trade Anthony Davis was the heroe of the game with 26 points, 22 of them in the first half.
Increased security for first home game since trade
The Mavericks ramped up security for their Saturday matchup against the Houston Rockets, their first home game since the blockbuster trade that sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The fallout has been intense, with general manager Nico Harrison facing death threats and racial slurs from enraged fans. As a result, he will not sit in his usual courtside spot. Additionally, ESPN noted that a full-time security team is now stationed at his home.
Mavericks’ controversial trade brought even death threats to Manager Harrison
The Doncic trade sent shockwaves through the league. Young superstars of his caliber are rarely traded unless they demand it, and Doncic had long expressed a desire to remain in Dallas for his entire career.
The Mavericks appeared to anticipate fan backlash, reportedly negotiating exclusively with the Lakers rather than exploring offers from other teams. Their focus on secrecy led them to accept a less lucrative trade package rather than allowing Los Angeles to gauge Doncic’s interest in an extension, which could have alerted him to the deal in advance.
Nico Harrison avoids public appearances amid backlash
Harrison, now the most unpopular figure in Dallas sports, attempted to justify the trade by citing the importance of defense and the benefits of acquiring Anthony Davis. However, concerns over Doncic’s conditioning and upcoming contract negotiations only fueled the controversy.
Unlike past high-profile acquisitions, Harrison was noticeably absent from Davis’ introductory press conference. When the team traded for Kyrie Irving, Harrison was front and center at his introduction. Additionally, the Mavericks disabled comments during their YouTube live stream of Davis’ press conference and limited comments on their Instagram account.
Hundreds of fans stage protest before Rockets game
Before the emotional home game against Texas rivals Houston Rockets Hundred of fans staged massive protests outside the Maverick stadium. They protested the Doncic trade.
Against all protests: Mavericks win against Houston 116 – 105 with Davis as their new superstar
But inside the hall the Mavericks showed that they are on their way to the play offs.
They took an early lead in the important game against the Houston rockets. At halftime the Mavericks had a lead of more nearly 20 points with Anthony Davis as their new superstar.
Davis who was booed before the start of the game scored already 22 points in the first half and was the leading scorer of the Mavericks. At half time the new trade of the Mavericks even got a standing ovation. That’s how quick the emotions of fans can change.
At the end of the game the Mavericks won with an 11 point advantage 116 – 105.
Davis was the best scorer of the Mavericks with 26 points, 16 rebounds and 7 assists. He was followed by the second trade of the Lakers: Max Christie scored 23 points.
Obviously Mavericks manager Harrison made a much better trade than the fans believe – and the Maverick, who lost most of their recent games, are back on the play off-track again…
Lakers celebrate their newest superstar
Meanwhile, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka was all smiles as he sat beside Doncic during his introductory press conference in Los Angeles. The Lakers landed one of the league’s premier talents, while the Mavericks are left to navigate the fallout of one of the most polarizing trades in recent history.
Doncic is expected to have his first game with the Lakers on Monday against last place Utah Jazz. While Doncic is preparing his comeback, LeBron James is out with injury. He missed Saturday’s game against the Indiana Pacers and is not expected to play on Monday alongside Doncic in Lukas debut for the Lakers.
