Luka Doncic’s exceptional performance, featuring 39 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, secures the Dallas Mavericks a playoff spot as they defeat the Charlotte Hornets 130-104, marking their 15th win in 17 games.
Luka Doncic delivered a stellar performance with 39 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, propelling the Dallas Mavericks into the playoffs with a decisive 130-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night, marking their 15th win in the last 17 games.
The Mavericks clinched a spot in the top six of the Western Conference playoffs later that evening when the Phoenix Suns fell to the Los Angeles Clippers. With a record of 49-30, Dallas is poised to secure the fifth seed.
In a dazzling display, Doncic, the NBA’s top scorer, netted 21 points including five 3-pointers in the opening quarter, helping Dallas to a commanding 36-14 lead. He ended the game 8 for 17 from three-point range, securing his 21st triple-double of the season and the 77th of his career, matching James Harden for eighth in the all-time rankings.
Moreover, Doncic broke the Mavericks’ single-season scoring record with 2,341 points, overtaking Mark Aguirre’s 1983-84 record of 2,330 points.
“It means a lot,” Doncic expressed. “This is the franchise that drafted me and they gave me the set of the keys. I’m just glad I’m here.”
Doncic is currently averaging 33.9 points per game.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd lauded Doncic’s accomplishments, predicting a future where he redefines the record books for both the Mavericks and the NBA.
Daniel Gafford excelled with a perfect 12 of 12 shooting performance, contributing 26 points, while Kyrie Irving added 18 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds for Dallas.
The Hornets, concluding an eight-game homestand with a 2-6 record, saw Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller leading the scoring with 22 and 21 points, respectively.
Irving shined in the second quarter, extending Dallas’ lead to 22 points by halftime. P.J. Washington, in his first game back in Charlotte since a midseason trade, struggled to find his rhythm.
Doncic consistently outmaneuvered the Hornets, showcasing his skill with both three-pointers and drives, and impressing with a standout alley-oop lob to Gafford.
Gafford praised Doncic’s ability to dominate the game, and Kidd highlighted Doncic’s aggressive start, which nearly led to a 40-point quarter.
Hornets coach Steve Clifford acknowledged his team’s lackluster performance and Doncic’s exceptional play, pointing out the challenge of recovering from an early deficit.
Despite Charlotte narrowing the gap to 11 points in the fourth quarter, Doncic and Gafford connected again for a dunk that sparked a 13-0 run, securing the Mavericks’ victory and virtually ensuring their avoidance of the play-in tournament.
Doncic underscored the importance of rest and praised the team’s defensive effort as key to their late-season success.
Brandon Miller’s performance included three 3-pointers, placing him fourth in NBA history for most three-pointers by a rookie, surpassing Saddiq Bey and trailing only behind Keegan Murray, Donovan Mitchell, and Damian Lillard.
The game also served as a farewell for Hornets coach Steve Clifford, who is stepping down after the season, marking the end of his second tenure with the team.
Also Read, Celtics Set NBA Milestone with Zero Free Throws in Record-Setting Low Attempt Game Against Bucks
Caitlin Clark Clinches Second Consecutive John R. Wooden Award, Sets Scoring Record
Bookmark and Follow us for more Sports News
