I couldn't watch this live because I was at the Islanders game, but I had Dr. Data texting me updates and the Knicks squandered their 9 point lead and allowed this game to go to OT and let Luka cook a little bit longer. I was able to rewatch the game this morning so I could experience the masterful performance Luka displayed.
"Luka record breaking night:
— First 60/20/10 game all-time
— Career high in PTS
— Career high in REB
— Most PTS in a game by a Maverick
— Most 50-point games by a Maverick
He’s only 23.pic.twitter.com/LlgMh3mRsp
— StatMuse (@statmuse)December 28, 2022 "
Bruh, 60 pts, 21 boards, 10 assists is ABSURD. No one has ever done it before, and honestly I think the 21 boards is the most impressive because he's a score first player. On top of his 1 of 1 stat line, he also pulled out a team win after being down 9 points with 33 seconds remaining in regulation. In the past 20 seasons, all 13,884 NBA teams that have trailed by at least nine points with 35 seconds or fewer remaining have gone on to lose the game, according to ESPN.
Luka stepped to the line and casually knocked down the first FT. Let's not look over that small detail either. There's a lot of pressure on that FT given the situation. Now down 2 with 4 seconds left you knew what came next. In came JaVale McGee, it was time to pray for an intentionally missed FT putback. That's all you can do in that spot.
Dončić also joins James Harden as the only other player in NBA history to score a 60-point triple-double, and also becomes just the sixth player to record six or more 40-point triple-doubles after Oscar Robertson, Harden, Russell Westbrook, Wilt Chamberlain and LeBron James. Here are the some of the reactions around the NBA.
But the best part of Luka's game last night was his post game quote. "I’m tired as hell. I need a recovery beer.” Well Luka, I hope you got your recovery beer, and I hope it was an ice crispy Miller Lite!