Before the start of the 2023-24 season, only 13 players had ever achieved the remarkable feat of scoring 70 or more points in a single NBA game. However, thanks to Joel Embiid’s astonishing 70-point performance against the Spurs and Luka Doncic’s jaw-dropping 73-point outing against the Hawks, this exclusive club has now expanded to 15 occasions.
Among the original 13 members of this elite group were names like Damian Lillard and Donovan Mitchell from the previous season, as well as legends such as Devin Booker, Kobe Bryant, David Robinson, David Thompson, Elgin Baylor, and Wilt Chamberlain (who achieved this incredible feat a remarkable six separate times).
Now, the NBA has once again witnessed a historic and awe-inspiring achievement. Luka Doncic etched his name into history by scoring an astonishing 73 points in a single game against the Atlanta Hawks. The monumental performance propelled the Mavericks to a thrilling 148-143 victory and stands as the highest single-game scoring display since Kobe Bryant’s legendary 81 points in 2006.
Doncic’s sensational performance in the same week as Joel Embiid’s impressive 70-point game solidifies his position among the league’s elite. He now joins the select players who have surpassed the 70-point threshold, highlighting the extraordinary skill, unwavering determination, and unmatched basketball prowess required to reach such extraordinary scoring heights. As of January 2024, only ten players have achieved this rare and incredible feat.
The journey of 70-point games in the NBA dates back to Elgin Baylor’s groundbreaking 71-point performance for the Los Angeles Lakers against the New York Knicks during the 1960-61 season.
Luka Doncic’s Historic Night
In an awe-inspiring display of skill and determination, Luka Doncic’s monumental performance became the talk of the NBA as he propelled the Dallas Mavericks to a much-needed victory over the Atlanta Hawks, thereby halting a three-game slide for his team while extending the Hawks’ losing streak to four games.
Doncic’s exceptional shooting accuracy was on full display as he converted 25 of his 33 field goal attempts, including 8 of 13 from beyond the arc and 15 of 16 from the free-throw line, setting a new personal best for field goals in a game.
His scoring frenzy included a remarkable 23 points in the second quarter alone, following an 18-point opening quarter, which collectively led to a record-setting 41-point first half. This performance shattered the Mavericks’ record for points in a half and showcased Doncic’s scoring versatility and lethal efficiency.
Averaging 33.6 points for the season, Doncic reached a season-high 51 points with a three-pointer late in the third quarter, then surpassed his career and Mavericks’ record of 60 points, previously set against the New York Knicks. Despite the defensive strategies deployed by the Hawks, including Jalen Johnson’s initial assignment on Doncic, followed by efforts from Saddiq Bey, Dejounte Murray, and others, Atlanta could not contain the Slovenian guard’s scoring spree. His first-half tally alone came from an incredible 17 of 22 shooting from the field, which included making 6 of 9 attempts from three-point range.
Currently positioned at 8th in their conference, the Dallas Mavericks’ prospects for the remainder of the 2023/24 NBA season hinge significantly on continued standout performances like Luka Doncic’s recent scoring feat. With the team’s odds to win the NBA Finals set at +4000, fans looking to support the Mavericks can utilize the Caesars Sportsbook promo code to place bets on their success.
Analyzing Doncic’s Versatility in Achieving 70+ Points
Luka Doncic’s journey in the NBA is a narrative of full-circle moments and remarkable achievements, marked indelibly by his historic performance in a familiar yet distinct setting. Selected third overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Doncic’s rights were swiftly traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Trae Young and an additional first-round pick that would later be used to select Cam Reddish.
The significance of Doncic’s milestone game cannot be overstated, not only because of its setting but also due to its historical context. Surpassing the Mavericks’ previous half-game scoring record of 34 points, set by the legendary Dirk Nowitzki in 2009, Doncic’s performance against the Hawks underscored his evolving legacy within the franchise.
Doncic’s trajectory since entering the league has been nothing short of meteoric. With each passing season, his scoring average has surged. Currently averaging 34.4 points per game alongside impressive tallies of 9.4 assists and 8.6 rebounds, Doncic is defying the traditional boundaries of basketball positions and roles.
His performance has placed him in the perennial conversation for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, often trailing behind game giants like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić. Yet, this season presents a golden opportunity for Doncic to clinch the MVP title. This feat would elevate his status and bring recognition to the forward position’s versatility and impact.
Final Thoughts
Luka Doncic’s historic 73-point game against the Atlanta Hawks in the 2023-24 season was a defining moment in his career. It solidified his place among the NBA’s elite, as only a handful of players have ever scored 70 or more points in a game. Doncic’s exceptional scoring, versatility, and continued improvement have propelled him into the MVP conversation, showcasing his impact and influence as a forward in the league.
Main Image: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
