Luka Doncic Makes NBA History
LUKA DONCIC MAKES NBA HISTORY - Dallas Mavericks (19-16) superstar, Luka Doncic, became the first NBA player to ever record 60 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists in a wild win against the New York Knicks (18-17) on Tuesday, December 22nd.
Doncic recorded 56 points in regulation, including an unbelievable 11-foot jumper off his intentionally missed free throw to tie the game, 115-115, with 0:1 second left. This is Doncic's seventh triple-double of the season and his first with 20 rebounds. No player in NBA history has ever recorded 60 points and 20 rebounds in a single game.
The overtime thriller is the fourth win in a row for the Mavericks. Dallas currently sits in 6th place in the Western Conference. The Knicks are now tied with the Indiana Pacers (18-17) for the 6th spot in the Eastern Conference. This is New York's fourth loss in a row.
The Knicks
New York was missing two of its stars in the game, as Jalen Brunson missed the game due to a hip injury. RJ Barrett cut his finger 96 seconds into the game and had to leave.
The Knicks turned to some role players for help and saw incredible production from Quentin Grimes and Julius Randle. Grimes scored 33 points with 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Randle went for 29 points, 18 rebounds, and 4 assists.
"He's a monster player," said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. "I'm concerned about [sic] there are some plays where he's making good plays and he's aggressive, but we can't keep fouling a guy, giving 22 free throws up."
Doncic's Historic Night
Doncic was 21 from 31 from the field and 16 for 22 from the free throw line. The 23-year-old superstar also topped Dirk Nowitzki's previous franchise record of 53 from December 2, 2004.
The performance came two days after the Mavericks unveiled a statue of Nowitzki outside their arena.
"I'm tired as hell," Doncic said after the game. "I need a recovery beer."
The Mavericks play the Houston Rockets (10-24) on December 29th in Dallas, while the Knicks will travel to San Antonio to play the Spurs (11-23) on the same night.
