Luka Doncic Makes NBA History with Career-High 73 Points, Tying for 4th All-Time
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic had a night to remember on Friday as he lit up State Farm Arena with a career-high 73 points in a thrilling 148-143 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. This incredible performance not only marked the highest-scoring game of the NBA season but also tied him with legends Wilt Chamberlain and David Thompson for the fourth-highest individual scoring output in NBA history.
Doncic’s remarkable feat surpassed the 70-point performance by Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers earlier in the week against the San Antonio Spurs. The only players who have scored more than Doncic in a single game are Chamberlain, who holds the NBA record with 100 points, and Kobe Bryant, who finished with 81 points on January 22, 2006.
Friday night’s game was only the 15th instance in NBA history where a player has scored 70 or more points. Doncic now joins an elite group of players who have reached this milestone, including Chamberlain, Bryant, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, David Robinson, Elgin Baylor, Embiid, and Devin Booker.
Doncic’s incredible scoring spree was highlighted by a three-point play with just under three minutes remaining, which brought his total to 70 points. With the Mavericks leading 140-136, Doncic added another three-point play to cap off his historic night.
When asked about his performance, Doncic humbly stated that it ranked “probably at the top” in his career but emphasized that his focus was on securing the win for his struggling team. The Mavericks had lost three consecutive games before Friday’s matchup against the Hawks. Doncic’s determination to help his team succeed was evident as he said, “We’ve been struggling lately. Mindset was [to] get a win. We played great.”
Doncic’s record-breaking night included an impressive 41 points in the first half alone, surpassing Dirk Nowitzki’s franchise record for points in a half. By the end of the third quarter, Doncic had already reached 57 points, and he continued his scoring spree by opening the fourth quarter with eight straight points before finishing with 73.
In addition to his scoring prowess, Doncic showcased his versatility by contributing 10 rebounds and seven assists to the game. This remarkable performance made him just the fifth player in NBA history to achieve at least 70 points and 10 rebounds in a single contest, joining the ranks of Chamberlain, Baylor, Robinson, and Embiid.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd couldn’t help but marvel at Doncic’s exceptional abilities, stating, “He is the game plan.” Kidd emphasized that Doncic’s ability to make shots, create opportunities for his teammates, and consistently perform at a high level sets him apart from others in the league. Despite the team’s ups and downs, Kidd acknowledged that Doncic’s contributions on the court are unparalleled.
Doncic’s previous career high was 60 points, making his 73-point explosion all the more impressive. This historic performance solidifies his status as one of the brightest stars in the NBA and leaves fans eagerly anticipating what he will accomplish next.
In summary, Luka Doncic’s career-high 73-point game against the Atlanta Hawks not only secured a crucial victory for the Dallas Mavericks but also etched his name in NBA history. With an exceptional display of scoring prowess, Doncic joined the ranks of basketball legends and solidified his position as one of the most talented players in the league. As he continues to make waves on the court, fans can only imagine what incredible feats he will achieve in the future.