The game took on a special significance as Doncic faced his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, with whom he spent six and a half years, becoming a beloved figure among fans and teammates alike. The anticipation was palpable, and as Doncic exited the court during a timeout, the cheers of “Luca! Luca!” echoed throughout the arena. The emotional atmosphere was further heightened when a tribute video celebrating Doncic’s time in Dallas played, prompting tears from the star player, who admitted the experience was overwhelming.