Nico Harrison made a bold move to augment the Mavericks’ chances of winning a championship. His trade for Luka Doncic embodied his bravery. But its consequences were severe. The entire city of Dallas rose in protest. Doncic, who was taken as the son of the city was gone to Los Angeles after all. And for the first time since the blockbuster trade, the Mavs will play at home. At the same time, the team is prepared for an uncharacteristic atmosphere.

The Mavericks fanbase went above and beyond so that their frustrations could reach the team. There were protests outside the American Airlines Center. Social media went into a frenzy and they lost hope within the team itself. Doncic, at 25 years old, had just led the team to an NBA Finals and had every intention of staying loyal.

But that won’t be possible. And as the team returns home, all they expect from the passionate souls is a chance at redemption.

“Probably a lot of heartbreak amongst the fans. Probably some boos. As a professional, you have to embrace everything & remember we’re paid to play this game & perform at the highest level. I don’t know what to expect. I know Luka was so dear to every Mavs fan’s heart, but we just gotta win & do it on a consistent basis & give ourselves a chance to win the whole thing,” Klay Thompson said about the energy he expects from the Mavs crowd.

Jason Kidd also weighed in on the situation. Even the Hall of Famer addressed the fans’ immense love for Luka Doncic. The team too understands that the American Airlines Center may not feel like home. But then again, as a coach, he has a job to do.

“With things that have taken place, our sympathy goes to the fans and understanding they could be upset. But at the same time, as a coach with the guys that I have, I have to put them in a position to be successful against Houston. That’s all I’m focused on. It’s freedom of speech. That’s why they’re called fans,” Kidd said about the same.

But is that all what’s required?

The Mavs are giving the fans something to cheer for

So far, the early reports suggest an outrage coming from the fans. A reporter merely made a request to the Mavericks fanbase. “One big concern, though, is the safety of the players, the front office, going back to Dallas; we hope fans make the wise decision and remember this is a game, and lives are far more important”.

Hopefully, that is a line that won’t be crossed.

However, as players and coaches, the Mavericks team is having a harder time coming to terms with losing Doncic. Kyrie Irving made an emotional confession about the same, and Kidd loved ‘Luka Magic.’ But Anthony Davis is a piece that vaults this team into championship talk. And even without him, the team has pulled off some amazing results.

Tonight, it was dismantling the defending champions.

Klay Thompson lit up the stage against the Celtics, scoring 25 points to go with 4 assists. Furthermore, when the rest of the starters couldn’t contribute, the Mavs’ bench willed them to a win. And Max Christie, another part of the Lakers-Mavericks deal, enjoyed another pleasant game in a Mavericks jersey.

The team has a solid foundation to do exactly what they did last season. But now, with Davis surveying their defense, their weakness has been filled. The only downside and a big one is the loss of Luka Doncic. But as much as fans loved him, the bigger entity is always the franchise.

And in this trying time, the players would feel encouraged if the fans could extend some love for them.