Luka Doncic put on the performance of the Year in the NBA to date when he poured in 60 points, grabbed 21 rebounds and contributed 10 assists during the Dallas Mavericks’ `126-121 overtime victory against the Knicks.at American Airlines Arena in Dallas.
That is an historic triple double reminiscent of the regular triple doubles that Wilt and Oscar used to get on a regular basis.
But that was just part of Luka Magic that broke the internet. .
The Mavericks were down 9 with 33 seconds to play and found a way to force overtime after Christian Wood made a three, Doncic stole the ball and rained and an one with 15 seconds left. Dallas fouled immediately and the Knicks made one of two free throws. Then Spencer Dinwiddle drained a three to cut the lead to one with 9.1 seconds left. Dallas fouled and the Knicks made both free throws to go back up by three with seven seconds left. New York, in the bonus, fouled Doncic sending him to the line for two shots instead of allowing him to attempt a game tying three. Doncic made the first free throw with four seconds left then deliberately missed the second, throwing it off the rim, securing the rebounds and burying the game tying shot to force overtime at the buzzer.
After the shot went in, the 12-year old 6-7 Slovenian star exploded in dance which some fans are now calling ‘La Luka Racha.”Doncic dominated the overtime, scoring seven points.as the Mavericks pulled off this improbable victory. Prior to this game, NBA teams had been 9-13,894 in the last 20 years when trailig by at least nine with 35 of less seconds remaining in regulation.
After the final buzzer, he shared a hug with former teammate Jalen Brunson.
What did the two talk about?
“Oh nothing really,” Doncic said. “Just reminded him that my Cowboys beat his Eagles.”
Doncic has adopted the Cowboys as his favorite team. Brunson won a national championship at Villanova, which is located on the Main Line close to Philly.
The two players led the Mavs to the NBA Western Conference finals last season before Brunson signed a $100 million free agent deal with New York.
Doncic played 47 hard minutes, shooting 21 for 31 and making 16 of 22 free throws. He looked exhausted.
“I’m tired as hell,” Doncic said. “I need a recovery beer.”
