BOSTON — As the Dallas Mavericks return home for the first time since making the seismic decision to trade superstar guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas is fully preparing for there to be an emotional scene at American Airlines Center for Saturday afternoon's game against the Houston Rockets.
«Probably a lot of heartbreak amongst the fans,» said Klay Thompson after scoring 25 points in a 127-120 victory over the defending champion Boston Celtics here at TD Garden on Thursday. «Probably some boos. But, as a professional, you have to embrace everything and we're paid to play this game and perform at the highest level.
»I don't know what to expect. I know Luka was so dear to every Mavs fan's heart. We've just got to win, and do it on a consistent basis, and give ourselves a chance to win the whole thing, and I think that will ease all of the fans' pain and anger.
«It's going to be weird, but that's what we sign up for.»
Although the trade happened close to a week ago, the wounds it cut open back in Dallas remain fresh. Protests are expected to be held at the arena Saturday — including a Go Fund Me to put up billboards criticizing both general manager Nico Harrison and the Adelson family, which bought the team from Mark Cuban last year, for trading away Doncic that has already raised $40,000.
Even around the team, the hurt that's lingered from the trade has gone on far longer than it would for a typical transaction — or even one where a star player is moved. Kyrie Irving said Tuesday there's still a «grieving» process over the loss of Doncic.
And, earlier Thursday, guard Spencer Dinwiddie said the anger shown toward the franchise is «completely understandable» as the team prepares to return home.
«It shows
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