Mavericks news: Luka Doncic has new pet, LeBron James praises Dirk Nowitzki, more

The Dallas Mavericks used a 51-point third quarter to dominate the Los Angeles Lakers and pick up their first home Christmas Day win in franchise history. Superstar Luka Doncic had 32 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists in the victory as Dallas won their third straight game.

Doncic was on hand for Dirk’s statue unveiling, and he was not going to let the Mavericks lose on Sunday afternoon. It was on in primetime back in Europe, so his Slovenian and Spanish fans were watching. After the game, Luka let fans know about his new pet.

Doncic showed up to the game in style, and when asked about it postgame, he mentioned that he forgot his horny toad at home. He got a big laugh out of reporters after answering he got one “because I’m a Texan”. Clearly, Doncic is enjoying his time in Dallas, and he has a new pet to take care of this holiday season.

More Mavericks news

After the Mavericks' win on Sunday, LeBron James was asked about Dirk Nowitzki and his statue being unveiled outside the arena. One of the best to ever do it paid respect to his fellow legend and former rival. Hear what King James had to say below.

Luka’s Christmas Day outfit did not go unnoticed. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and Mavericks fan Patrick Mahomes gave Doncic some props on Twitter, and the three-time All-Star responded.

Luka and LeBron put on an impressive Christmas Day scoring duel going with the Lakers superstar dropping 38 in Dallas. Doncic got the last laugh in what turned into a spectacular performance from both men on Sunday afternoon.

NBA news

The Christmas Day slate took center stage with the Celtics dominating the Bucks in the main event. Jayson Tatum scored 41 points in the win as Boston took over the best record in the NBA. Milwaukee was without Khris Middleton, but that should take nothing away from a stellar performance from the Celtics.

The Nuggets topped the Suns in the final game of the night behind another triple-double from Nikola Jokic. The two-time MVP broke his tie with Luka Doncic and now leads the league in triple-doubles this season.

Golden State defeated the Grizzlies without Stephen Curry on Sunday. The Warriors are still 11th in the Western Conference, but they are hoping Sunday’s win gets them back on track. The Dubs were just 1-5 on their recent road trip, but coming home for Christmas did them some good in an impressive win.

The Sixers topped the Knicks in the opener, but the biggest news was a Woj bomb before tipoff that James Harden would consider returning to Houston in free agency. Expect that to be a story in the months ahead before free agency opens in July.

The Dallas Mavericks are back in action on Tuesday as Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks make their lone visit of the season to Dallas. Luka Doncic wants bragging rights over his former teammate, so fans won’t want to miss the game. Be sure to tune in and enjoy the show