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On Tuesday, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks had a historic NBA run against the New York Knicks. After an exciting overtime, the Mavericks defeated the Knicks 126-121, propelling Doncic to a season-high performance.
Doncic set a career record with 60 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming the first time in NBA history that a player achieved those game numbers. With only 33 seconds remaining, the 23-year-old helped his club overcome a nine-point deficit.
According to the NBA, this is the first occasion in 20 seasons that a team has come back from a nine-point hole with less than 30 seconds remaining and won a game. Except for the Mavericks, 13,884 NBA teams have not done it since then, according to the NBA, and Doncic is at the forefront of this historic achievement.
Doncic willfully missed a free shot and retrieved a rebound on Mavericks’ last play. He subsequently hit the shot, sending the game into overtime against the Knicks. Doncic scored 10 points in the final minute of regulation and seven more in overtime.
The Slovenian basketball star’s feat elevated him to the ranks of James Harden, the only player in NBA history to record a 60-point triple-double. Doncic is also one of six players to have six or more 40-point triple-doubles, along with Oscar Robertson, Russell Westbrook, Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James, and James Harden.
“We just saw it on the screen right now. We were watching NBA TV. I mean, it’s just incredible to be in those comparisons and just to be with those guys, at any stage. It’s amazing for me,” Doncic said.
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Doncic making the Mavericks proud
Doncic’s effort in the game set another Mavericks franchise record, surpassing Dirk Nowitzki’s 53 points against the Rockets in 2004. The Mavericks improved to 19-16 on the season, ranking them sixth in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks have dropped to sixth place in the Eastern Conference following four consecutive losses.
“Just with age, he has a birthday coming up here in the new year. I think he’s seen it all at the age of 23. But just his competitiveness to win is at a very high level – and you saw that displayed tonight,” said Jason Kidd, head coach of the Mavericks.
“Things weren’t going well. Give the Knicks credit; they were making a lot of threes that we didn’t think were possible. They were playing harder. We were down 10. We’ve been in this position earlier in the season when you talk about giving up a lead or giving up a game like this.”
“Just to be able to stay together and trust, Luka had a big part in that. He never was discouraged that the game was over. As you can see, he’s picking up full-court, we had a big jump ball. There’s a lot of things we’ve learned from our losses in close games like this.”
Doncic praised by other players
The 23-year-game-winning old’s shot stunned the basketball world, earning plaudits from other players. Current and previous basketball stars have admired a young player’s energy on the floor. His 60-point performance is also the highest in the current NBA season. Doncic made 21 of 31 field goals and 16 of 22 free throws. Furthermore, players flocked to social media to congratulate the youthful basketball prodigy.
“OMG, Luka! 60, 21, and 10. Never seen these numbers in my lifetime, may never again wilt like a video game, like damn,” wrote Paul Pierce on Twitter.
“60/20/10?? Este tio no es normal,” added Kristaps Porzingis.
“Luka just having fun! The game ez,” wrote Trae Young.
“This dud Luka!” said DeMar DeRozan.
“We are watching greatness @luka7doncic. I’ve never seen anything like that ever,” said Mark Cuban.
“If we judging by tonight, it’s Luka Doncic my a mile; then it’s everybody else! I know he said it’s easy for him to get numbers in the NBA. But damn, 60-21-10?! God Bless America. Carry the hell on,” added Kendrick Perkins.
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Who is Luka?
Luka Doncic was born on February 28, 1999, in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Sasha Doncic, his father, also played in the Slovenian professional basketball league. Radoslav Nesterovic, his godfather, played in the NBA for 12 seasons, finally earning a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2005.
Luka began playing basketball at the age of eight, joining Olimpija teams. However, he couldn’t play with older players because he was still young and had to attend under-12 competitions. Luka was just 13 when Real Madrid signed him. He continued with the squad for five years, achieving recognition in basketball.
“Dončić moved up to Real Madrid’s under-18 team and reserve team. He continued to shine, winning the MVP award at the under-18 Next Generation Tournament and claiming a championship. At 16 years, two months and two days of age, he made his professional debut, becoming the youngest player to ever play for Real Madrid,” writes the Maverick’s profile page for Luka.
“Luka has earned back-to-back All-NBA First Team honors, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to accomplish the feat. He was voted as a starter in both the 2020 and 2021 All-Star Games,” it continued.
