He approached Pistons assistant coach Jerome Allen to offer a few parting thoughts, punctuating a conversation that had continued throughout the game, a final exchange that was extended as they barked at each other while Doncic slowly backpedaled toward the Dallas bench.

He had certainly gotten the final word, scoring 53 points in his return from a brief absence due to a sprained left ankle to lead the Mavs to victory.

He was coming off the only scoreless performance in his career, having exited Thursday's win over the Phoenix Suns only three minutes and 21 seconds into the game due to the injury.

The Pistons frequently trapped Doncic near half court, forcing the ball out of his hands, holding him to only three points in the second quarter while his Dallas teammates struggled to hit open 3-pointers created by the attention that Detroit paid the MVP candidate.

Pistons coach Dwane Casey on Luka Doncic's trash talk Dallas pulled within a point by the end of the third quarter.

Only Rick Barry has more 50-point performances at age 23 or younger in NBA history, according to ESPN Stats & Information research, as Doncic matched Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James and Jordan in that category.