Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers Edge Out Dallas Mavericks Behind Luka Doncic’s 45 Points, Secure Playoff Berth

The Lakers made straight to the playoffs by avoiding the play-in for the first time since 2020.

Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic went all guns blazing in his return to Dallas for the first time since the blockbuster trade. The five-time NBA All-Star dropped 45, eight rebounds, and six assists to lead the Lakers to a 112-97 win over the Mavericks. With the win, the Lakers officially confirmed a playoff berth. They made straight to the top six for the first time since 2020, avoiding the Play-In as a result.

For the last three seasons, the Lakers had to participate in the play-in. While they advanced without a loss, the Lakers had to turn around and play a top seed immediately to begin the playoff journey. As they have made it to the playoffs directly, the Lakers won’t face an elimination dilemma to reach the postseason.

Doncic, who was left in tears with the emotional tribute video, quickly got into the game mode. He didn’t take much time to send a painful reminder to the franchise about the generational talent they have lost.

The game saw the hosts leading the visitors 30-26 by the end of the first quarter. Luka scored 14 points for the Lakers and matched his season-high for threes in a quarter with 3. The Lakers, however, quickly turned around the course of the game and led their rivals 60-57 at halftime, behind Doncic’s 31 points. LeBron James had eight points, whereas Naji Marshall led his team with 15 points and four assists.

Lakers are Playoffs bound 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/FkKP950vHe
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 10, 2025

Doncic continued his dominance and finished the third quarter with 38 points, with the Lakers leading their rivals 83-76. The Lakers ended the game with a 112-97 win over the Mavericks, and officially clinched a spot in the playoffs. Apart from Doncic’s season-high 45 points, the Lakers were backed by James’ 27 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

Rui Hachimura finished with 15 points, two rebounds and two assists. On the other hand, the Mavs were led by Marshall’s 23 points, four rebounds and eight assists. P.J. Washington and Anthony Davis finished with 14 and 13 points, respectively. The game also saw James surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second All-Time in NBA games played.

Dallas Mavericks Book Play-In Berth Following Phoenix Suns’ Loss

Though the Mavs went down against the Lakers, they have officially booked a spot in the Play-In tournament. As the Phoenix Suns went down to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Footprint Center, the Mavericks secured their play-in berth. The Suns, who were pushed to the brink of elimination following a loss to the Warriors, were required to win all their remaining games.

While the Mavs suffered a defeat against the Lakers, the Suns couldn’t keep up against Thunder and slumped, suffering a 125-112 loss. It marked the eighth straight loss for the Suns, and are now officially eliminated from this season’s playoff contention.

Dallas Mavericks

LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.