That was Mavericks star Luka Doncic’s initial, instinctive response to one of the most extraordinary performances in NBA history. As well as the most spectacular game of his young career.
Mavericks Star Luka
It makes sense. Even just taking in the magnitude of his performance in Tuesday’s victory over the Knicks in overtime is exhausting:
60 points, which is more than Dirk Nowitzki’s 53 points for the most points ever scored by the Mavericks in a single game; 21 rebounds, a career record; the first 60-point, 20-rebound triple-double in league history. And 10 assists to complete the 52nd triple-double of his career.
And it all counted, enabling the Mavericks to win 126-121 in overtime. After they miraculously overcame a nine-point deficit in the game’s last 26.8 seconds of regulation (more on that below).
The pivotal moment occurred at the conclusion of that game-tying run. When all of Doncic’s talent and cunning. As well as a little bit of luck, was put to use. When Dallas needed them the most.
With 4.2 seconds left and the Mavericks behind by three, Doncic took the shot. Doncic intentionally missed his second shot. After making his first one in the hopes that a Maverick player would retrieve it and, against all chances, tie the game.
Doncic was that kind of player, capping off the comeback. And adding the final touches to his masterpiece with seven of Dallas’ 11 points in overtime on 21-for-31 shooting from the field.
A 60-point triple-double of any kind was also achieved by Luka, joining James Harden’s 60-point, 10-rebound, 11-assist performance with the Rockets in 2018.
Even a triple-double of 50 points would have been exceptional. Only Wilt Chamberlain (of course twice) and Elgin Baylor had ever accomplished the feat previously. And only they had 20 boards in their respective games.
Surprisingly, the most remarkable statistic may not have had anything to do with Doncic’s particular performance. NBA teams had a horrifying record of 0-13,884 in the previous 20 seasons. When down by at least nine points with 35 or fewer seconds remaining going into Tuesday’s game.
So, Luka, get some rest. You undoubtedly deserve it.
The Dallas Mavericks rallied for an exciting 126-121 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night thanks in large part to the triple-double performance of Luka Doncic. Who set a franchise record with 60 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists. Doncic also scored the game-tying basket after he purposely missed a free throw to force overtime.
With 1.0 seconds left in the game, Mavericks Star Luka intentionally missed a free throw. And recovered the loose ball off the floor. And made a jump shot to tie the score at 115-115. Maverick left behind Dallas by nine with 33 seconds left in regulation. The first 60-20-10 game in NBA history was played in Dallas, and it also featured Doncic’s career-high in rebounds. The superstar, who is 23 years old, recorded his eighth triple-double of the year.
With their fourth straight victory, the Mavericks surpassed.500 by three games, both totals matching season highs.