Luka Doncic sets an NBA record by beating the Sacramento Kings with his Dallas Mavericks. Nevertheless, success has been hanging by a thread for a long time.
The Dallas Mavericks celebrated their first win since the NBA restart.
Coach Rick Carlisle’s team beat the Sacramento Kings 114-110 after overtime thanks to an outstanding Luka Doncic. The two games against the Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns had previously been lost by the Mavs.
Against the Kings, Dallas was behind for most of the game, but was able to work his way up in the second half and force the overtime.
10:0 run in overtime
Five minutes before the end of regular playing time, Dallas was trailing 89:95, but did not allow for any more points after that and equalized with a free throw by Maxi Kleber 1:52 minutes before the end. (Table of the NBA)
In extra time, the Mavs were behind with 99:102, before Doncic and Co. started a 10-0 run and laid the foundation for victory.
Best scorer in the Mavs was superstar Doncic, who managed a triple-double with 34 points, 20 rebounds and twelve assists. The 21-year-old is thus the youngest player in NBA history to have achieved a triple-double with at least 30 points and 20 rebounds. Previously, the record was held by Oscar Robertson, who was 23 years and 12 days old.
Doncic: “One of the worst games”
“We needed this,” Doncic said. “We played one of the worst games ever and we won. We didn’t play well. We’re still in the middle, helping each other and never giving up. I’m proud to have won.”
His team mates Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kristaps Porzingis each scored 22 points. The German Kleber scored eight points in 30 minutes playing time. De’Aaron Fox was the best thrower of the Kings with 28 points.
The Mavs rank seventh in the Western Conference with 41 wins and 29 defeats, the Kings only have theoretical chances in the fight for the playoffs.