Image source, Getty Images
Luka Doncic made his professional basketball debut with Real Madrid in 2015 before joining the NBA in 2018.
Luka Doncic tied the fourth-best performance in NBA history with 73 points as the Dallas Mavericks beat the Atlanta Hawks.
The 24-year-old Slovenian broke the Mavericks record score of 60 that he set against the New York Knicks in 2022.
Only the legendary Wilt Chamberlain (100 and 78) and Kobe Bryant (78) have scored more in 77 years of the NBA.
“It was just exciting. Sometimes I couldn’t believe it,” Doncic said after the Mavericks’ 148-143 victory.
Doncic grabbed 10 rebounds and seven assists. He made 25 of 33 shots from the floor – including eight three-pointers – and made 15 of 16 free throws.
Chamberlain also had two scores of 73 in 1962, while David Thompson reached that figure in 1978.
This is the highest score since Los Angeles Lakers legend Bryant scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006.
Chamberlain’s century came for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks in 1962.
“We all loved Kobe. It’s special to be in this conversation with these names,” Doncic added.
Doncic’s performance helped his team end a three-game losing streak as Mavericks coach Jason Kidd hailed a “special” performance.
Kidd said: “His ability to make shots, create shots, find open guys, he did it at a high level tonight. I’ve said it before, we can’t take it for granted .
“Sometimes we are a little hard on him because of the wins and losses, but what he does on the pitch is different from anyone else.
“Every night is special. He always does something.”
