Luka Doncic, aged 24, equaled the fourth-highest scoring performance in NBA history by scoring 73 points on Friday. This led the Mavericks to a 148-143 win over the Hawks.
A remarkable individual performance by the Slovenian star resulted in him setting a new Mavericks record with 41 points in the first half, surpassing his own franchise scoring record of 60 points against the New York Knicks in 2022. Luka Doncic also contributed 10 rebounds and seven assists against the Hawks. He made 25 of 33 shots from the field, including eight three-pointers, and converted 15 of 16 free throws.
His outstanding performance overshadowed the return of Trae Young, who scored 30 points for the Hawks after missing two games due to concussion protocol. Doncic’s effort placed him in elite NBA company, with only Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant having scored more points in a game, Chamberlain with the league record 100 in 1962 and Bryant with 81 in 2006. Chamberlain also achieved a 78-point performance and two 73-point games, a feat also accomplished by David Thompson and now, Doncic.
Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns also scored an impressive 62 points, but unfortunately, it was not enough to secure a win as the Indiana Pacers emerged victorious with a 133-131 score, ending the Suns’ seven-game winning streak. Despite Phoenix holding a 17-point lead, the Pacers managed to tie the game in the final minute. The decisive victory was sealed by Obi Toppin’s putback basket from a missed shot by Pascal Siakam, and Booker’s last-second three-pointer attempt was unsuccessful. Siakam scored 31 points to lead six Pacers players in double figures.
In another game, Jaren Jackson contributed 30 points and eight rebounds for the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite losing their double-digit lead, the Grizzlies managed to secure a narrow 107-106 win over the Orlando Magic.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 112-100 victory over the Bucks in Milwaukee with 32 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo nearly achieved a triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. Damian Lillard also contributed 22 points for the Bucks. The team announced that Doc Rivers, who previously coached the Boston Celtics to an NBA title in 2008, would take over as head coach following the sudden dismissal of Adrian Griffin. Assistant coach Joe Prunty had temporarily filled in as head coach for two games, including a win over Cleveland that ended the Cavs’ eight-game winning streak.
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