By: Pranav Parlapall

On March 9th, 2024, Luka Doncic recorded his 6th straight 30+ point triple-double (a feat achieved by a player in a single game when they score double-digit numbers in three different categories), becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve this. Doncic finished the game with 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, surpassing Russel Westbrook’s five straight 30-point triple-doubles. He also broke three records this season in just one game. First, Doncic tied for the fourth highest-scoring game in NBA history with 73 points in a win against the Atlanta Hawks. Second, he had the most efficient 70-point game going 25/33 from the midrange (75.8%), shooting 8/13 from behind the three-point line (61.5%), and 15/16 from the free throw line (93.8%) with a true shooting percentage of 91.2%, going 10% higher than the next player Damian Lillard. Third, Doncic reset the Dallas Mavericks record again for most points scored in a game while previously scoring the most in franchise history with 60 points. One of the very unique qualities of Luka Doncic is that he doesn’t lack in any part of the game. Doncic is a great all-around player and there is almost no room for improvement. He is one of the best post players in the league and can attack the rim from any angle. Luka Doncic has made a name for himself with his incredible performances, averaging 34 points per game along with 9 rebounds and 9 assists per game. He is simply unstoppable, displaying his dominance in every single game this season as well as the possibility of him becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time. 

Despite Luka’s excellent game performance, the Mavericks have been struggling in the regular season and have lost tough games in the playoffs. They currently stand in 7th place in the Western Conference with a 39-29 record, just under playoff qualification. With 18 games left, the Mavericks have a high chance of making it to the playoffs and playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who stand at 2nd in the Western Conference. However, if they keep their spot at 7th place, the Mavericks will be in the play-tournament and most likely play the Phoenix Suns. If the Mavericks play the Suns, I think it will be a very close game with Dallas taking the win over Phoenix. Over the past few years, the Mavericks have beaten the Suns in almost every regular season and playoff game. So far, they have had a great record against Phoenix, but with Kevin Durant now playing for the Suns this year, it will be a very close game. However, with Kyrie Irving now being a part of Dallas, the Mavericks can seal the win and qualify for their playoff spot. 

All in all, Luka Doncic is an incredible player with the potential to be a top 25 player of all time. He has been dominating the league since his rookie year and has proven to be one of the best. Luka will be around for a while and until a team develops an elite defense to stop him, he will be annihilating every team he goes up against. Ultimately, Luka Doncic is the best Dallas Mavericks player in history and is making his case to become one of the greatest NBA players of all time.