Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic delivered a stunning performance on Friday night, scoring an impressive 73 points in a thrilling 148-143 victory against the Atlanta Hawks at the State Farm Arena.
Doncic’s remarkable feat ties for the fourth-highest point total in a single NBA game, joining an elite group of players who have achieved the 70-point milestone. The most recent addition to this exclusive club was reigning MVP Joel Embiid, who scored 70 points for the Philadelphia 76ers in a game against the San Antonio Spurs just last Monday.
In the history of the NBA, there have been only 15 instances where a player scored 70 or more points in a single game. Doncic’s exceptional performance puts him in the same category as Hall of Famers David Thompson and Wilt Chamberlain, the latter achieving the feat twice. The only players to surpass Doncic’s 73-point game are Chamberlain, with an NBA-record 100 points and another game with 78 points, and Kobe Bryant, who famously scored 81 points in one game.
Reflecting on his incredible accomplishment, Doncic expressed awe at being mentioned alongside such legendary names. “Those names are special. It’s unbelievable,” he remarked after the game.
Doncic’s scoring barrage included an impressive shooting display, as he made 25 of 33 field goal attempts, including eight of 13 from beyond the arc. Playing for 45 minutes, he showcased his scoring prowess against the team that technically drafted him in 2018. However, Doncic was traded to the Mavericks on draft night in a deal that sent Trae Young to the Atlanta Hawks. Alongside his scoring, Doncic demonstrated versatility by contributing 10 rebounds and seven assists while shooting an impressive 15-for-16 from the free-throw line.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd highlighted Doncic’s all-around performance, noting that the only thing missing for a potential triple-double were three additional assists. “The three assists (he didn’t get) are what he’s probably thinking about in the locker room to have a triple-double,” Kidd remarked.
Doncic’s 73-point explosion surpassed his previous career-high of 60 points, which also held the Mavericks’ team record until his remarkable performance on Friday. Additionally, he broke Dirk Nowitzki’s team record for points in a half by scoring an astounding 41 points before halftime against the Hawks.
The 73-point game by Doncic adds another chapter to his burgeoning career and solidifies his status as one of the NBA’s brightest young talents. The Slovenian sensation continues to captivate fans and basketball enthusiasts with his scoring prowess and ability to make history on the court. As Doncic basks in the glow of his remarkable achievement, the basketball world eagerly anticipates more unforgettable performances from this extraordinary talent.