Not that we haven’t done it already, but at a certain point, all we can do is step back and marvel at how incredible Luka Doncic is at basketball. The 22-year-old supernova star, who happens to play for the Mavericks, is already one of the greatest European players in NBA history at his ripe young age.
How can anyone argue otherwise?
Thursday night against the Clippers (+6.5)—an opponent Doncic always seems to feast against—was one for the ages in his still (somehow) budding career. A beyond-gifted offensive talent like him can seemingly only make every effort look easier by the night.
Luka Doncic tonight:
51 PTS
9 REB
6 AST
17-26 FG
7-14 3PThe first 50/5/5 game in Mavericks history. pic.twitter.com/X71pYnV8RL
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 11, 2022
Yes, you read that right. A career-high 51 points. On an efficient 17-of-26 shots. (And seven threes–in one quarter.)
To give you a better idea of how special this 51-burger was for Doncic, keep this short rundown of statistics in mind:
- The Clippers after the first quarter: 28 points
- Doncic alone after the first quarter: 28 points
- Those seven threes in one quarter are third only to the Hornets’ Kelly Oubre Jr. (eight) and the Warriors’ Klay Thompson (nine)
- The first 50-piece of his career (obviously, given the whole career-high thing)
Oh, and we would be remiss if we didn’t mention who Doncic eclipsed in one quarter.
Fun Fact: Luka Doncic has made more 3s in one quarter (7) than James Harden did in his last 4 games (6). pic.twitter.com/FPHRwyIm5m
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 11, 2022
James Harden: Your carpet is ready.
Depending on your perspective, it was either an incredible night for Doncic or another run-of-the-mill evening.
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