Luka Doncic says facing Mavs remains ‘always special’

Nearly 10 months have passed since Luka Doncic was traded away from Dallas, but he acknowledges that facing the Mavericks will never feel like a normal game.

As Grant Afseth reports for Dallas Hoops Journal, Doncic admitted that while the emotional weight has lessened somewhat over time, the connection remains strong.

“I would say it’s a little bit easier now,” the player said. “But games against Dallas always have some special meaning to me. I still have a lot of friends there. It’s important, it’s fun, and it’s always special. Like I say, it’ll always be special for me.”

Doncic has played 8 seasons for the Mavericks and Lakers. He has averaged 28.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 464 regular-season games.

He was selected to play in 5 All-Star games, and has won the Rookie of the Year award.