Dallas Mavs Star Luka Doncic Makes NBA History, Joins LeBron James, Michael Jordan on Rare List
Following a disappointing loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, head coach Jason Kidd called the Dallas Mavericks soft as a way to challenge his squad going forward. They responded in a big way by blowing out the Los Angeles Clippers at American Airlines Center 144-126 on Friday night.
Before the game, we wrote about how Luka Doncic might be poised for a big bounce-back game, not only because he shot just 11-26 against Toronto, but also because he generally seems to enjoy taking it to the Clippers any chance he gets. Doncic did just that by putting up a game-high 44 points on an extremely efficient 17-21 shooting night from the field. He also shot 6-9 from deep, 4-4 from the free-throw line, and pitched in six rebounds, six assists and one steal as the cherry on top.
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic mean-mugs the Los Angeles Clippers en route to a 44-point performance.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Doncic posted the 31st 40-point game of his young career, and there have only been two other players since the ABA-NBA merger to have more before turning 25 years old: Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Doncic will be more happy that his Mavs are now 7-2 as they head out on a four-game roadtrip, but making some NBA history and joining a list with the two players who are regarded as being the best the game has ever seen isn't too shabby as well.
On the season, Doncic is averaging 32.9 points while shooting 51.8 percent overall and 41.5 percent from deep. He also averaging 8.9 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.3 steals through nine games. The Mavs are off to their best start in nearly 20 years at 7-2, and if Doncic continues at his current pace, he'll be a favorite to win his first league MVP this season while also solidifying the Mavs as a title contender.
