On Friday, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic passed Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson for 50 career triples in one game. Doncic set the mark in his 278th career game, one game shy of Johnson. That’s the second-fastest in league history.
Oscar Robinson (111) was the only NBA player who needed fewer games to collect 50 triple-doubles. Doncic finished with 33 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in the Mavericks’ 127-99 win over the Denver Nuggets.
According to some NBA betting sites, Luka Doncic is the No. 1 pick to win the MVP in 2023. A few sportsbooks are giving Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo the second-best odds.
Luka Doncic led all players on both teams in points, rebounds and assists for the 16th time in the game.
That’s tied for the 5th-most games in NBA history.
Russell Westbrook – 41
LeBron James – 35
Wilt Chamberlain – 33
Giannis Antetokounmpo – 26 pic.twitter.com/E21hXpbaXt— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 19, 2022
In 35 minutes of action, the three-time All-Stars shot 11-of-22 (50%) from the field and 2-of-7 (28.6%) from 3-point range. Luka Doncic also finished 9-of-11 (81.8%) at the foul line.
It was also the 25th time the Slovenian superstar had at least 30 points in a triple-double performance. Not to mention, it was the 16th time Doncic has led both teams in points, rebounds and assists.
Luka Doncic beats Magic Johnson with 50 triples, second fastest in NBA history behind Oscar Robertson
“He’s already writing the record books,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “It’s great … Oscar is very special, so to be right there behind Oscar in the second fastest 50 shows how special it is.
Kidd recorded his 50th triple-double in the 649th game of his NBA career. The Hall of Famer ranks fourth on the all-time list (107), behind Russell Westbrook (194), Robertson (181) and Johnson (138).
Congratulations @luka7doncic of the @DallasMavs 10th player in NBA history to record 50 career triple-doubles! pic.twitter.com/OiSjQTdoRA
— NBA (@NBA) November 19, 2022
As for Luca Donchi, he remains 10th on the all-time career triple-double list. In addition to trailing Westbrook, the Mavericks guard ranks below three other active players: LeBron James (105), Nikola Jokic (79) and James Harden (69).
In 14 games this season, the 23-year-old has four 30-point triple-doubles. The guard is averaging a league-high and career-best 34.3 points per game.
“It’s amazing,” Luka Doncic said after reaching the milestone. “Every time you ask me, I have the same answer. It’s fun. I’m very happy to be here and doing this.”
On Sunday, the Mavericks play the Nuggets again at 7:30 pm ET. Both teams are entering the rematch with 9-6 records. This match will be telecast live on Boli Sports South West.
