Luka Doncic was already well-established as one of the stars of the NBA today, but on Tuesday night he made history as he helped the Dallas Mavericks to a remarkable overtime win over the New York Knicks.
The Slovenian guard helped the Mavs pull off the near-impossible, as they came back from nine points down to take the game to overtime with just 33 seconds remaining in regulation time.
History makers
Coming back to win from a nine-point deficit with under 35 seconds to go is something that no other team has achieved in the last 20 seasons. According to EPSN, all 13,884 times a team has been in that position, they have lost.
In the process, Doncic didn’t just record career-highs in points and rebounds and a franchise record for points, he achieved something no player has ever done before.
His stat line of 60 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists is unrivalled; a 60-20-10 triple double had never been seen in NBA history until now.
What’s more, he is now one of just two players to have ever scored a 60-point triple-double. He joins James Harden in that very exclusive club.
The 23-year-old guard is also now one of six players to have achieved six or more 40-point triple-doubles. The others in that legendary company are Oscar Robertson, Harden, Russell Westbrook, Wilt Chamberlain and LeBron James.
Dramatic finish
In order to force overtime, Doncic had to use not just his talent but his basketball IQ.
In the final play of the game, he intentionally missed a free throw and then grabbed the rebound before scoring the crucial bucket which tied the game.
The three-time All-Star scored 10 points in the final minute of regulation time before putting up a further seven in overtime. A legendary night for a player still so early in his career.
What’s next for Doncic?
The challenge for Doncic is to keep this offensive uplift in his game and drag the 19-16 Mavs up the rankings. Currently Dallas are sixth in the West, a game behind the Suns and four behind leaders Denver.
Dallas’ No.77 is currently averaging 33.6 points per game on the season, which would be a career high if he can keep that figure above 28.8 for the rest of the campaign.
This season he is also above his career averages for assists and rebounds, with his assists figure also above his best-ever single-season effort.
Last year, Doncic helped the Mavs reach the Western Finals but he’s hungry for more. The challenge is clear, but when you see him play like he did on Tuesday, you cannot rule anything out.
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