Doubting until the last minute due to an ankle injury, Luka Doncic signed a record triple-double and an epic triple in the last second for the Dallas Mavericks to beat the Los Angeles Clippers (133-135) early Monday morning and equalize 2- 2 the ‘playoffs’ series.
In addition to the Slovenian, other young stars shone on this day at Disney World (Orlando), especially Donovan Mitchell (51 points) and Jamal Murray (50), who starred in a historic talent duel in the Utah Jazz’s victory against Denver Nuggets (3-1 in series).
Doncic astonished the NBA by adding 43 points, 17 rebounds and 13 assists to give the Mavericks the victory with one of their trademark 3-pointers from long range in the last gasp of overtime. “When I saw the ball go in and the whole team running towards me, it was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had as a player,” he recalled.
The young point guard overcame the severe sprained left ankle he suffered on Friday in the third game of this first round against the Clippers, one of the ring favorites, and the last minute absence of Kristaps Porzingis due to knee pain right.
Doncic’s triple unleashed a torrent of reactions on social media in the NBA universe, from LeBron James to Stephen Curry. “Bang Bang,” LeBron James exclaimed on Twitter, where his former Miami title partner Dwayne Wade wrote: “Wow! Luka, we are not worthy.
At 21 years old, Doncic is the youngest NBA player to hit a triple-double with more than 40 points in a playoff game. The point guard has exploded in his second season in the NBA, being chosen as the starter for the last All-Star Game and approaching the level of Most Valuable Player (MVP) candidate.
“He’s a boy made for these moments, he’s never afraid,” described his coach, Rick Carlisle. “His match today was from another planet,” he proclaimed.
For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points and grabbed nine rebounds, but forward Paul George was shipwrecked again with nine points (3 of 14 in shooting from the field).
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