Luka Doncic Makes NBA Triple-Double History in Mavs' Clutch Win Over Heat
The Dallas Mavericks had their backs against the wall on Thursday night, as they took on a hot Miami Heat after having lost five of their last six games. Thanks in large part to a massive triple-double from Luka Doncic, the Mavs broke their three-game skid with a gritty 114-108 win over the Heat at American Airlines Center.
Doncic finished with 35 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists while shooting 12-24 from the field, 7-13 from deep and 4-4 from the free-throw line while being a +11 in 40 minutes. Although Doncic was the star of the night, he got some big-time help, as five other Mavs scored in double-figures. Co-star Kyrie Irving pitched in with 23 points, four rebounds and four assists.
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Doncic made some NBA history with his latest triple-double, as he tied Russell Westbrook for the longest 30-point triple-double streak in league history with five in a row. He also became the only player in league history to ever record four consecutive 35-point triple-doubles.
Given how easily Doncic is able to achieve such individual accolades, it can also be easy to take it for granted. The five-time All-Star makes NBA history seemingly every night he takes the floor, and since he's only 25 years old, there's likely going to be many more of these nights going forward.
“We can’t take this young man for granted," Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said. "You’re seeing something as rare as a Picasso when he comes every night he does something.”
After winning seven consecutive games two weeks ago, Dallas was labeled as being a "dark-horse" title contender. Although the individual awards are nice, the only award Doncic really wants is an NBA championship. If the Mavs can continue to play like they did against the Heat, that might become more of a realistic dream come early April.
