December 28, 2022, 7:48 AM
December 28, 2022, 7:48 AM
In an unprecedented performance in NBA history, Luka Doncic had a colossal triple double of 60 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists on Tuesday. with which he commanded an epic victory for the Dallas Mavericks 126-121 in overtime against the New York Knicks.
The Slovenian phenomenon, who also forced extra time in a magical action in which he missed a free kick on purpose, he is the first player in the NBA to achieve a triple double with at least 60 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists.
James Harden, current figure of the Philadelphia 76ers, was so far the only one who had achieved a triple double with 60 points (to which he added 10 rebounds and 11 assists) and only the legendary Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor had achieved others with at least 50 points.
“I’m so tired”, Doncic responded when asked about what he felt after his historic game. “I need a recovery beer.”
The point guard, who had already scored 50 points on Friday, kept the Mavericks alive all night and led an astonishing last-minute comeback.
The New York team, led by guard Quentin Grimes (33 points), had a nine-point advantage (103-112) that seemed final with only 33.2 seconds to play.
The Mavericks responded with a 3-pointer from Christian Wood and a basket plus a free throw from Doncic. With only four seconds left on the clock, the Slovenian point guard was subjected to a personal foul with the Mavericks down three points (112-115).
Doncic hit the first free throw, purposely missed the second and, after several failed attempts by the Knicks to capture the rebound, he grabbed the ball to score an implausible shot that sent the game to extra time amid the jubilation of the American Airlines Center.
“I think it was a bit of luck”, Doncic said of that action. “There were a few seconds left and I just shot up (…) It was an incredible comeback and victory.”
The Mavericks took control early in overtime and Doncic clinched the victory with 7 of his team’s 11 points before being substituted. with eight seconds to go before he was cheered by the 20,000 Dallas fans.
“Is special”, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said of his protégé, who also had 2 steals and 1 block in his 47 minutes on the track.
“The history of the game is written by the players, and it has been written again tonight”, said Kidd, one of the great point guards in history. “For a player to do something that has never been done before is very difficult. There have been great players before him.”
