Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks set a new team record by scoring an astonishing 73 points, matching the fourth-highest scoring performance in NBA history. This performance, previously only surpassed by legends Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant, was pivotal in leading the Mavericks to a thrilling 148-143 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd completely believed in Doncic’s abilities, stating, “He is the game plan.” Doncic not only shattered his personal best of 60 points but also eclipsed Joel Embiid’s recent 70-point game for the Philadelphia 76ers as the season’s highest score.
Doncic’s all-around game was on full display as he also collected 10 rebounds and dished out seven assists, nearly achieving a triple-double. His dedication to teamwork was evident as he continued to involve his teammates despite Atlanta’s focused defense on him.
“The three assists are what he’s probably thinking about in the locker room to have a triple-double,” Kidd said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks Updates
The night was especially significant for Doncic, as he faced the Hawks, the team that originally drafted him in 2018 before trading him to Dallas. He now shares the 73-point game achievement with Chamberlain and David Thompson.
“Those names are special,” Doncic said. “It’s unbelievable.”
The Mavericks celebrated this historic performance in the locker room, marking the end of their three-game losing streak and extending the Hawks’ losing streak to four. Doncic was incredibly efficient, hitting 25-33 field goals, including 8-13 3-pointers and 15-16 free throws.
“You’ve got to continue to play and have trust in your teammates,” Doncic said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Despite the efforts of Atlanta’s Trae Young, who scored 30 points, and the defensive attempts by various Hawks players, they couldn’t contain Doncic. His scoring frenzy included 41 first-half points, setting another Mavericks record.
“He was hot. He was going,” Young said. “We were trying everything. We were trying to trap him.”
The Mavericks were missing guard Kyrie Irving due to a sprained thumb, and forward Derrick Jones Jr. left the game with a sprained wrist. Young had recently returned from a concussion protocol on the Hawks’ side.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks Updates
The Mavericks will host the Sacramento Kings, while the Hawks are set to play the Toronto Raptors. An upcoming rematch between the Mavericks and Hawks, originally scheduled for April 5, has been moved to April 4.
