Magic Johnson sends heartfelt message for Luka Doncic’s 45-point showdown against Dallas Mavericks

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 10, 2025, 09:36 IST

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Magic Johnson praised Luka Doncic’s emotional return to Dallas, where the ex-Maverick exploded for 45 points in the Lakers' 112-97 win. Doncic dazzled with 7 threes, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and a +26 plus-minus. Johnson called it “special�?while also spotlighting LeBron James' fourth-quarter dominance. Reflecting on the season’s wild turns, he said it’s unlike anything he’s seen in 45 years around the NBA.

Magic Johnson sends heartfelt message for Luka Doncic’s 45-point showdown against Dallas Mavericks

Magic Johnson. Image via: Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images

Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson recently shared a heartfelt message for Luka Doncic as he made his highly anticipated return to the American Airlines Center in Dallas, where he previously played for the Mavericks before the shocking trade. Now, the 26-year-old made his return in Lakers jersey to clash with his former teammate. While it was very emotional for him, the Slovenian gave a stunning show, adding 45 points to the Lakers�?112-97 victory over the Mavericks.

Magic Johnson showered praise for Luka Doncic’s 45-point game against the Dallas Mavericks

Magic Johnson has recently hailed Luka Doncic, revealing on X that he has witnessed the high-octane and emotional showdown.

“Luka’s homecoming was special! He put on a spectacular show of his talent scoring 31 points by halftime and 45 points overall and received a rousing standing ovation from Mavericks fans before the game and at the end. The true hero tonight was LeBron James - he dominated the fourth quarter with 13 points to seal the victory for the Lakers!�?Johnson wrote on X.

The Hall of Famer recently reflected on the unprecedented twists of the current NBA season, saying he’s never seen anything like it in his 45-plus years around the league. From the blockbuster midseason trade that swapped superstars Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis to the surprising firings of Michael Malone and Taylor Jenkins.
“I’ve been part of the NBA family for over 45 years and I’ve never seen a season like this! First, two superstars get traded in the middle of the regular season, Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, and now two coaches, Denver’s Michael Malone and the Grizzlies’s Taylor Jenkins, get fired before the end of the regular season and their teams have already secured a spot in the Playoffs,�?he wrote on X.

Doncic delivered a phenomenal performance in 38 minutes of play, pouring in 45 points on 57.1% shooting. He was lethal from beyond the arc, sinking 7 of his 10 three-point attempts (70%) and added 6-of-9 from the free-throw line. Doncic also grabbed 8 rebounds, dished out 6 assists, and picked up 4 steals, finishing with a game-high +26 plus-minus in a dominant all-around effort.
Also Read: Luka Doncic scores 45 in return game as Dallas Mavericks fall to Los Angeles Lakers
Doncic is currently averaging 27.9 points per game, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists.

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