For the Dallas Mavericks, the backcourt of Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson wasn’t just a championship-caliber unit—it was a golden era that will forever define the franchise’s modern identity. Their chemistry, dominance, and the sheer joy they brought to American Airlines Center fans created a legacy so bright that even in their absence, it continues to cast a long shadow over the franchise.

From the moment Doncic arrived as the third overall pick in 2018 and Brunson was drafted in 2018 before joining the Mavs in 2019, the stage was set for basketball magic. What followed was a five-year run that redefined what a small-market franchise could achieve in the NBA, culminating in a 2024 NBA Finals appearance where they nearly toppled the Boston Celtics. But the real story isn’t just about the hardware—the it’s about the unforgettable image of two generational talents playing together in Dallas, and how their departure left a void that may never be filled.

The Rise of a Dynasty

When Doncic arrived in Dallas, he was already a superstar in Europe, having led Real Madrid to EuroLeague glory in 2018 and winning MVP honors. Brunson, meanwhile, had spent his early years developing in the NBA G League before earning his shot with the Mavs. Their first full season together in 2019-20 was electric. The Mavs finished 51-31, securing the No. 3 seed in the West, and Brunson was named to his first All-Star team.

But it was the 2020-21 season that cemented their legacy. With Doncic winning his first scoring title (30.1 PPG) and Brunson providing elite three-point shooting (40.6% on 6.1 attempts per game), the Mavs reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2011. Their playoff run was a masterclass in small-ball efficiency, with Doncic and Brunson combining for 55.3 points per game in the postseason.

Key Numbers from Their Peak Seasons:

The Unforgettable Image

The image that will forever haunt the Mavs isn’t a single moment—it’s the collective memory of Doncic and Brunson playing together. It’s the way Doncic would rise up for a step-back three over Brunson’s screen, or how Brunson would find Doncic in the post for a no-look pass after a pin-down. It’s the way they turned American Airlines Center into a fortress, where even the most stacked lineups in the league would struggle to score.

Consider the 2023-24 season, their final year together. The Mavs finished with the second-best record in the league (54-28), and their backcourt was the most efficient in the NBA. Doncic and Brunson combined for 50.8 points per game, with Doncic averaging a career-high 32.1 points and Brunson providing the perfect complement with 18.7 points, 4.8 assists, and elite shooting splits (42.1% from three).

But the playoffs were where their magic truly shone. In the 2024 NBA Finals, they became the first backcourt since the 2016 Warriors to reach the Finals with both players averaging over 25 points per game in the postseason. Though they fell to the Celtics in six games, their run cemented their place in Mavs lore.

The Departure That Changed Everything

The writing was on the wall for years. Doncic, as the face of the franchise, was always going to be a free-agent priority. Brunson, meanwhile, had become a restricted free agent in 2025, and with the Mavs’ financial constraints, retaining both was nearly impossible. The franchise made the difficult decision to prioritize Doncic, and in the summer of 2025, Brunson was traded to the New York Knicks in a blockbuster deal that sent Kristaps Porziņģis to Dallas.

Doncic’s departure followed in the summer of 2025, when he signed a max contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavs, now without their two All-Stars, entered a rebuilding phase. The roster was gutted, and the franchise’s identity seemed to vanish overnight.

For fans, the pain is palpable. American Airlines Center, once a place where the backcourt could drop 60 points on any team in the league, now feels like a shadow of its former self. The Mavs’ 2025-26 season has been a struggle, with a roster in flux and no clear path to contention. The question on everyone’s mind: Can Dallas ever recapture the magic of Doncic and Brunson?

What’s Next for the Mavs?

As of May 2026, the Mavs are in the early stages of their rebuild. The roster includes young talent like Jalen Green (who took Brunson’s jersey number, 9) and Derrick Jones Jr., but the franchise is still searching for the next huge piece to replace Doncic and Brunson.

The front office has been active in the draft, using picks to acquire young talent, but the path to contention remains unclear. The Mavs are expected to be a lottery team in the 2026-27 season, and the pressure is on general manager Nic Claxton to build a foundation that can one day challenge for another run.

One thing is certain: the Doncic-Brunson era will never be replicated. Their chemistry was built on years of trust, understanding, and an almost telepathic connection on the court. For the Mavs, the challenge now is to honor their legacy while forging a new identity.

How to Follow the Mavs’ Rebuild

For fans looking to stay updated on the Mavs’ journey, here are the key checkpoints:

• 2026 NBA Draft: The Mavs hold the No. 7 pick and will look to add another building block to their roster.
• Free Agency (July 2026): With cap space expected to open up, the Mavs could target key role players to complement their young core.
• 2026-27 Season Preview: The Mavs’ first full season without Doncic and Brunson will be critical in determining their long-term trajectory.
• Coaching Transition: The Mavs’ coaching staff, led by head coach Jason Kidd, will need to adapt to a new style of play without their star backcourt.