Doncic erupts for 73

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Luka Doncic matched the fourth-highest scoring performance in National Basketball Association history Friday, pouring in 73 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 148-143 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

A masterful individual performance saw the Slovenian star set a Mavs record with 41 first-half points, then obliterate his own franchise scoring record of 60 set against the New York Knicks in 2022.

Doncic added 10 rebounds and seven assists. He connected on 25 of 33 shots from the floor — including eight three-pointers — and made 15 of his 16 free throws.

"It was just exciting," said Doncic, who was cheered even by Hawks fans. "Sometimes I couldn't believe it."

Doncic ranked the performance "probably at the top" of his career, but with the Mavs coming in on a three-game losing streak he was just focused on getting a victory.

"We've been struggling lately," he said. "Mindset was get a win."

His sensational performance spoiled the return of Trae Young, who led the Hawks with 30 points after missing two games in concussion protocol.

Doncic's effort pushed him into rarefied NBA territory. Only Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant have scored more points in a game, Chamberlain with the league record 100 in 1962 and the late Lakers star Bryant with 81 in 2006.

Chamberlain also owns a 78-point performance and two of 73 — a number also reached by David Thompson and, now, Doncic.

"It feels special to be in that conversation with those names," Doncic said, calling it "amazing" that his big night came on the fourth anniversary of Bryant's death in a helicopter accident.