Luka Doncic etched his name into NBA lore on Friday night, torching the Atlanta Hawks for a record-setting 73 points and propelling the Dallas Mavericks to a 148-143 victory. This scorching performance not only eclipsed his own personal best and the Mavericks' franchise record, but also tied him for the fourth-highest scoring total in NBA history, placing him alongside legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant.
Coach Jason Kidd embraced Doncic's offensive onslaught, stating, "He is the game plan." And what a plan it was, as Doncic carved through the Hawks' defense with an unforgettable performance. He surpassed his previous record of 60 points set just four days after Joel Embiid's 70-point masterpiece, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite scorers.
But Doncic's brilliance wasn't just about points. He orchestrated the offense with a game-high 10 rebounds and led the Mavericks with 7 assists. Even amidst his individual heroics, he remained focused on the bigger picture, stating, "You've got to continue to play and have trust in your teammates."
His relentless scoring march culminated in a three-point play with 2:58 remaining, pushing him past 70 points. With the Mavericks clinging to a narrow lead, Doncic added another three-pointer for good measure, sealing his legendary night.
Joining the ranks of Chamberlain, Thompson, and Bryant with his 73 points masterpiece, Doncic acknowledged the significance of the company he now keeps. "Those names are special," he said. "It's unbelievable." His teammates showered him with a celebratory water bath, echoing the cheers that reverberated through the hallways.
Doncic's scorching display carried the Mavericks past their three-game losing streak, while sending the Hawks spiraling to their fourth straight defeat. His uncanny accuracy – 25 of 33 shots from the field, 8 of 13 three-pointers, and 15 of 16 free throws – left even Trae Young, Atlanta's leading scorer with 30 points, in awe. "We were trying everything," Young admitted. "We were trying to trap him."
Josh Green provided valuable support with 21 points, but it was Doncic who owned the spotlight. "I've never seen anything like that," Green marveled.
Even with Young's late three-pointer narrowing the gap, Doncic's legacy for the night remained secure. Jalen Johnson's 25 points and Bogdan Bogdanovic's 24 for Atlanta couldn't overshadow the Doncic spectacle.
This historic night was even more poignant for Doncic, taking place in his former NBA home, albeit for a brief stint. After being drafted by the Hawks in 2018, his rights were traded to Dallas for Trae Young and a package that included Cam Reddish.
Doncic's first-half fireworks were equally impressive, as he poured in 41 points – a franchise record for any half – on an astounding 17 of 22 shooting, including 6 of 9 from beyond the arc. This surpassed Dirk Nowitzki's previous team record of 34 points in a half, set in 2009.
Kyrie Irving missed his second straight game for the Mavericks with a sprained thumb, while Derrick Jones Jr. exited the game in the first half with a sprained wrist. Fortunately, Young's return from the concussion protocol provided some positive news for the Hawks.
As the league announced the rescheduled date for the teams' April rematch, one thing is certain: Doncic 73 points masterpiece will be etched in NBA history alongside the greats, and forever remembered as a night where basketball magic unfolded.
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img via: USA TODAY SPORTS VIA REUTERS