Luka Doncic Returns to Madrid: Mavericks to Face Real in a Preseason Showdown

• NBA

In a sentimental journey to his roots, Luka Doncic is set to return to where his illustrious basketball journey began. The NBA has announced a marquee preseason game featuring Doncic and his team, the Dallas Mavericks, against the dominant force in European basketball, Real Madrid.

Scheduled for this October, the game will be played in the heart of Spain, in Madrid.

Real Madrid vs. NBA: A Legacy Continues

This upcoming match isn't just significant for Doncic; it represents a long-standing tradition between the NBA and Spanish basketball.

This will be the eighth NBA game held in Madrid and the 20th on Spanish soil, marking 35 years since the NBA made its debut in Spain in 1988. Doncic's personal history with Real Madrid is both profound and impactful. Joining the team at the tender age of 13, Luka swiftly rose through the ranks.

By the time he was 19, he had already made history by becoming the youngest EuroLeague and EuroLeague Final Four MVP, leading Real Madrid to victory in the 2018 championship. Real Madrid, a team that doesn't require an introduction in the world of basketball, boasts of players like the iconic Sergio Llull, and ex-NBA stars Rudy Fernández, Mario Hezonja, Džanan Musa, and Sergio Rodríguez.

The team's record is unparalleled, with a staggering 11 EuroLeague titles under their belt, making them the most successful team in the history of the competition.

Growing the Game: A Global Vision

The significance of these matches extends beyond the court. "Bringing the live NBA experience directly to our passionate international fans is an important part of our year-round efforts to grow basketball and the NBA around the world," expressed Mark Tatum, the NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer.

He shared the league's enthusiasm about the Mavericks taking on Real Madrid and emphasized the intent to engage fans from not only Spain but all across Europe. Felipe Reyes, Real Madrid's ambassador, encapsulated the emotion and anticipation surrounding the game.

Noting that any encounter with an NBA team is a spectacle, the excitement is undoubtedly heightened when it involves a "Real Madrid legend" like Doncic.