Grizzlies Edge Suns, Dončić Shines in Lakers Win
Los Angeles – Luka Dončić led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-99 victory over his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, in an emotional matchup. With 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, Dončić became just the third player in NBA history to record a triple-double against all 30 teams.
Despite the win, Dončić admitted the game was emotionally overwhelming.
“It was just a mix of emotions and lack of sleep,” he said after the game, which took place just three and a half weeks after he was traded from Dallas to the Lakers. “Honestly, I’m just glad it’s over.”
The game had a tense atmosphere from the start, with Mavericks fans offering mixed reactions—some cheering, others booing. Dončić even exchanged words with the Mavericks’ bench and received a technical foul in the first quarter. However, rather than letting emotions get the best of him, he used them as fuel to play even better, sinking key three-pointers to help secure the win.
Teammate LeBron James stepped up in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 of his 27 points to seal the victory. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 35 points, acknowledging the unique nature of the matchup: “It felt awkward playing against him, but at the same time, it was fun.”
Dončić and the Lakers will face the Mavericks again on April 9 in Dallas, a game that will bring another wave of emotions for the former Mavs star.
Grizzlies Edge Suns in a High-Scoring Overtime Battle
Over in Memphis, the Grizzlies secured a thrilling 151-148 overtime win against the Phoenix Suns, marking the highest-scoring game of the NBA season.
Ja Morant led the way with 29 points and eight assists, including a clutch pass to Jaylen Wells for a dunk in the final seconds of overtime. Memphis closed the extra period on a 7-0 run to seal the victory.
Phoenix had five players scoring 20+ points, with Devin Booker (28 points, 10 assists) and Kevin Durant (26 points) leading the charge. However, Durant missed two critical three-pointers in the final seconds, allowing the Grizzlies to escape with the win.
With this victory, Memphis strengthens its hold in the Western Conference playoff race, while the Suns continue to struggle, losing six of their last seven games.