The day following the birth of his first child, Gabriela, Luka Doncic delivered a stellar performance, etching his name in NBA history.
Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic, who missed Friday’s game to celebrate the birth of his daughter, Gabriela, made a triumphant return on Saturday night. Despite the Mavericks facing a 126-120 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Doncic’s stat line was nothing short of extraordinary – 36 points, 18 assists, and 15 rebounds, placing him alongside Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson as the only players to achieve such numbers in a single game.
Notably, Doncic played a pivotal role in sparking an incredible 30-0 run for the Mavericks, the longest in franchise history. This remarkable comeback saw the team overcome a 24-point deficit, surging ahead by six midway through the fourth quarter. Despite their valiant efforts, victory eluded Dallas in the end.
Moreover, Luka Doncic’s performance earned him a spot tied with Larry Bird for ninth on the NBA’s all-time triple-doubles list. In an unprecedented display of versatility, he became the first player in NBA history to record at least 35 points, 15 rebounds, 15 assists, two blocks, two steals, and five 3-pointers in a single game. Notably, he accomplished this historic feat while wearing sneakers adorned with his newborn daughter’s name.
The night showcased Doncic’s resilience, marking a memorable chapter in NBA history, even in the face of an unfortunate defeat for the Dallas Mavericks.