NBA roundup: Incredible Luka Doncic scores 73 as Mavs down Hawks

On Friday, Luka Doncic delivered an exceptional performance, equalling the fourth-highest scoring record in NBA history. He contributed a remarkable 73 points, guiding the Dallas Mavericks to a thrilling 148-143 triumph against the Atlanta Hawks.

A remarkable individual display of talent resulted in the Slovenian superstar setting a new record for the Mavericks, scoring an astounding 41 points in the first half alone. This performance surpassed his previous franchise scoring record of 60 points, which he achieved against the New York Knicks in 2022.

In addition to his scoring prowess, Doncic contributed 10 rebounds and seven assists. He displayed incredible accuracy, making 25 of his 33 shots from the field, including eight three-pointers, and converting 15 of his 16 free throws.

Doncic expressed his excitement about the game, even receiving cheers from Hawks fans. He admitted that at times, he couldn't believe his own performance.

Considering his entire career, Doncic ranked this performance as one of the best. However, his primary focus was on securing a victory for the Mavericks, as they had been struggling with a three-game losing streak.

Despite Doncic's sensational showing, Trae Young made a notable return for the Hawks, leading his team with 30 points after missing two games due to concussion protocol.

Doncic's exceptional performance propelled him into the elite ranks of NBA history. Only Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant have scored more points in a single game.

Chamberlain holds the league record with 100 points in 1962, while Bryant achieved 81 points in 2006. Chamberlain also boasts a 78-point game and two 73-point games, a feat also accomplished by David Thompson and now, Doncic.

Doncic expressed his gratitude for being included in the conversation alongside those esteemed names, describing it as a remarkable experience.

He also emphasized the collective love and admiration for Kobe Bryant among the team. Coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the extraordinary nature of Doncic's performance, highlighting his consistent ability to deliver exceptional performances.

Kidd further praised Doncic's unique style of play, particularly his skill in both scoring and facilitating for his teammates, which ultimately contributed to the team's victory.

Kidd's confidence in Doncic was evident, as he believed that Doncic's exceptional performance would not deviate from the team's overall game plan.

In a crucial moment, Doncic's layup, foul, and subsequent free throw extended the team's lead, ultimately securing the win.

Despite the Hawks' efforts to narrow the deficit, Tim Hardaway Jr.'s free throws sealed the victory for the Mavericks.

Josh Green, who had an impressive 21-point performance, expressed his awe at witnessing such a remarkable display of talent.

"It felt as though I was immersed in a 2K video game," he remarked. "The person controlling Luka did an exceptional job, I must say."

Less than a week after Joel Embiid's remarkable 70-point performance for the Philadelphia 76ers against San Antonio, Luka Doncic showcased his own impressive skills on the court. However, Doncic's display was not the only astonishing feat of the night.

Despite Devin Booker's incredible 62-point performance for the Phoenix Suns, the Indiana Pacers managed to secure a 133-131 victory, putting an end to the Suns' seven-game winning streak. Although Phoenix had a commanding lead of 17 points at one stage, the Pacers managed to level the score with less than a minute remaining.

The game was ultimately decided by Obi Toppin's putback basket, following a missed shot by Pascal Siakam. Unfortunately for Booker, his last-second three-pointer failed to find the mark.

This season, Booker has now achieved two games with 50 or more points, with his previous 52-point performance against New Orleans. His career-high of 70 points was achieved against Boston in 2017.

Siakam led the Pacers with 31 points, as six players reached double figures in scoring.

In another game, Jaren Jackson contributed 30 points and eight rebounds for the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite seeing their double-digit lead diminish, the Grizzlies managed to hold on for a narrow 107-106 victory over the Orlando Magic.

Donovan Mitchell's 32-point performance propelled the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 112-100 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied 22 points, secured 11 rebounds, and distributed nine assists, narrowly falling short of achieving a third consecutive triple-double.

Milwaukee's Damian Lillard also contributed 22 points, while the team announced the appointment of Doc Rivers as their new head coach. Rivers, who previously led Boston to the 2008 NBA championship, takes over following the sudden dismissal of Adrian Griffin.

During the interim period, assistant coach Joe Prunty assumed the role of head coach for two games. The first game resulted in a victory over Cleveland, effectively ending the Cavaliers' eight-game winning streak on Wednesday.