Luka Doncic Scores Record 73 Points in Mavericks’ Victory Against Hawks

Luka Doncic delivered an astonishing performance in the NBA on Friday, scoring an impressive 73 points, the fourth-highest in NBA history, to propel the Dallas Mavericks to a 148-143 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

The Slovenian basketball sensation set a new Mavericks record by amassing 41 points in the first half alone, continuing his exceptional form into the second half to keep the persistent Hawks at a distance.

Doncic, who also contributed 10 rebounds and seven assists, was on fire, sinking 25 of his 33 field goal attempts, including eight from beyond the arc, and making 15 out of 16 free throw attempts.

Reflecting on his strategy, Doncic mentioned that he adapted his game based on the defense, especially in the second half when he was frequently double-teamed.

His remarkable performance overshadowed the comeback of Trae Young, the Hawks’ leader who scored 30 points after missing two games due to concussion protocol.

Doncic’s record-breaking night placed him among the NBA’s all-time greats. Only Wilt Chamberlain, with a record 100 points in a single game in 1962, and Kobe Bryant, with 81 points in 2006, have scored more in an NBA game. Chamberlain also scored 78 points in another game and twice hit 73 points, a feat achieved by David Thompson and now, Doncic.

Doncic expressed his joy at the achievement and the Mavericks’ victory. In the game’s closing stages, the Mavericks’ lead was cut to three points, but Doncic’s crucial layup and successful free throw in the last minute extended their lead. Despite a late basket by Young, Tim Hardaway Jr.’s free throws ensured the Mavericks’ victory, even without the injured Kyrie Irving.

This performance surpassed Doncic’s previous best of 60 points, set against the New York Knicks in December 2022.

This high-scoring game came just days after Joel Embiid’s 70-point game for the Philadelphia 76ers. The night also saw another remarkable performance by Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker, who scored 62 points, but in a losing effort against the Indiana Pacers, ending the Suns’ seven-game winning streak.

Booker’s 62 points included a Suns record-breaking 29 points in the first quarter. However, despite leading by 17 at one point, the Suns were eventually defeated after a decisive basket by Obi Toppin for the Pacers.

Booker, who had previously scored 52 points against New Orleans and a career-high 70 against Boston in 2017, experienced his second 50-plus point game of the season.

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 31 points, with six Pacers players scoring in double figures, securing their second consecutive win.