CNN
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Luka Dončić put up a historic triple-double within the Dallas Mavericks’ thrilling 126-121 time beyond regulation win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old recorded a career-high 60 factors and a career-high 21 rebounds to go together with 10 assists, serving to the Mavericks come from 9 factors down with simply 33 seconds of regulation time remaining.
It’s the first time in NBA historical past {that a} participant has reached that stat line.
“I’m drained as hell,” Dončić stated after the sport. “I want a restoration beer.”
Up to now 20 seasons, all 13,884 NBA groups which have trailed by at the least 9 factors with 35 seconds or fewer remaining have gone on to lose the sport, in response to ESPN.
Nevertheless, in a dramatic last play, Dončić deliberately missed a free throw after which secured the rebound, earlier than scoring the putback to tie the sport and power time beyond regulation.
The Slovenian star scored 10 factors within the last minute of regulation time and added seven extra in time beyond regulation to tug off probably the most inconceivable of wins.
Dončić additionally joins James Harden as the one different participant in NBA historical past to attain a 60-point triple-double, and likewise turns into simply the sixth participant to report six or extra 40-point triple-doubles after Oscar Robertson, Harden, Russell Westbrook, Wilt Chamberlain and LeBron James.
“We simply noticed it on the display proper now,” Dončić stated of his scoring feat. “We have been watching NBA TV. I imply, it’s simply unimaginable to be in these comparisons and simply to be with these guys, at any stage. It’s superb for me.”
Dončić’s 60 factors additionally set a brand new franchise scoring report for Dallas, overtaking the 53 factors scored by Dirk Nowitzki towards Houston in 2004.
“Simply with age, he has a birthday arising right here within the new yr, I feel he’s seen all of it on the age of 23,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd stated of Dončić changing into a frontrunner. “However simply his competitiveness to win is at a really excessive stage – and also you noticed that displayed tonight.
“Issues weren’t going effectively. Give the Knicks credit score, they have been making plenty of threes that we didn’t suppose have been potential. They have been enjoying tougher. We have been down 10. We’ve been on this place earlier within the season, if you discuss giving up a lead or giving up a recreation like this.
“Simply to have the ability to keep collectively and belief, Luka had an enormous half in that. He by no means was discouraged that the sport was over. As you possibly can see, he’s selecting up full-court, we had an enormous soar ball. There’s plenty of issues we’ve discovered from our losses in shut video games like this.”
The Mavericks enhance to 19-16 on the season and climb to sixth within the Western Convention, whereas the Knicks have now misplaced 4 straight to sit down sixth within the East.
