Atlanta, Georgia – Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic made NBA history on Friday, scoring a career-high 73 points in a 148-143 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. This performance marks the highest-scoring game in the NBA this season, surpassing Joel Embiid’s 70-point game for the Philadelphia 76ers against the San Antonio Spurs. Doncic’s 73 points tie him with Wilt Chamberlain and David Thompson for the fourth-highest single-game output in NBA history.

This impressive display of talent places Doncic among a select group of players who have reached the 70-point milestone, making him the 10th player to do so in NBA history. With this achievement, Doncic joins the ranks of basketball legends such as Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, and others who have achieved similar scoring feats.

Doncic’s remarkable performance included breaking Dirk Nowitzki’s franchise record for points in a half, as he scored 41 points in the first half and continued to dominate with 57 by the end of the third quarter. He finished the game with 73 points, shooting an impressive 25 of 33 from the field, including 8 of 13 from 3-point range, and converting 15 of 16 free throws. In addition to his scoring prowess, Doncic also contributed 10 rebounds and seven assists, setting a new standard by becoming the fifth NBA player with at least 70 points and 10 rebounds in a single game, a feat achieved only by basketball greats like Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, David Robinson, and Joel Embiid.

Mavs coach Jason Kidd praised Doncic’s ability to lead the team to victory, emphasizing that Doncic is the game plan. He acknowledged that Doncic’s consistent performances make every game special and unique, highlighting his impact on the court and his ability to elevate the team’s performance.

This career-defining night for Doncic has solidified his place in NBA history and has set a new benchmark for scoring, reinforcing his status as one of the most talented and influential players in the league. With his previous career-high at 60 points, Doncic has once again proven himself as a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court.