Mavs' Luka Doncic Celebrates 25th Birthday With Matchup Against Raptors
TORONTO — Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic celebrated his 25th birthday with a matchup against the Toronto Raptors in part of a four-game road trip.
After the Mavs' 121-119 defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, Doncic, who finished with 45 points, 14 assists, and nine-rebounds, joked that he's getting old when asked about celebrating his birthday.
"No, I'm getting old. Tomorrow, I'll need extra treatment for me. I'm having fun playing basketball," Doncic said.
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While the Mavs lost dramatically due to a 59-foot jumper from Max Strus at the buzzer, Doncic acknowledged the need for the team to stay focused with a game against the Raptors on the second night of a back-to-back.
"Obviously, this one's tough to swallow, but we got a game tomorrow, and I'm enjoying playing basketball," Doncic said.
Doncic's accomplishments before his 25th birthday make him one of history's best starts to an NBA career. He's already earned four All-NBA First-Team nods. He joined Larry Bird, George Gervin, and Tim Duncan as the only players to earn at least four of these nominations within their first four seasons, but he was the youngest to do so.
Entering Wednesday's game, Doncic had averaged 34.5 points, 9.6 assists, and 8.8 rebounds in 50 games this season. His 10,825 points are the third most scored by any player before turning 25, trailing LeBron James (13,927) and Kevin Durant (12,258). However, Doncic has the most made 3-pointers (1,114) before turning 25.
The Slovenian superstar ranks second among players under 25 for triple-doubles (66) while also ranking second for 20-point triple-doubles (61), 30-point triple-doubles (38), and 40-point triple-doubles (eight).
Doncic and Michael Jordan are the only players to score multiple games with 60 or more points before their 25th birthday. Doncic is the only player with a 50-point triple-double before turning 25.
