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Mavericks star Luka Doncic rewrites the record books with historic 60-point triple-double

Benyam Kidane

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Mavericks star Luka Doncic rewrites the record books with historic 60-point triple-double image

Luka Doncic etched his name in history with a monstrous performance against the New York Knicks, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 126-121 win in overtime.

Doncic was simply unguardable Tuesday night, pouring in a career-high 60 points, adding a career-high 21 rebounds and 10 assists as the Mavericks pulled off the miracle comeback after trailing by nine points with 33.9 seconds remaining in regulation.

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Doncic sent the game into overtime as he deliberately missed the free throw, coming up with the rebound and somehow getting the game-tying shot to go. 

With his career-best performance, not only did Doncic rewrite the Mavericks record books, but achieved an NBA first.

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Let's dive into the numbers behind Doncic's absurd night. 

By The Numbers

An NBA first

The list of players to record a 60-point triple-double with 20+ rebounds is as follows. 

1. Luka Doncic. 

End of list. 

He becomes just the seventh player in NBA history to record a 50-point triple-double and at 23 years, 302 days is also the youngest to do so, eclipsing the previous mark held by Wilt Chamberlain.

Doncic is also the third player ever to do so with 20+ rebounds, joining Wilt Chamberlain (1963 & 1968) and Elgin Baylor (1961).

Doncic also joined James Harden as the only players in NBA history to record a 60-point triple-double.

A franchise record

Less than a week after tying Dirk Nowitzki for the most 50-point games in Dallas Mavericks franchise history (2), Doncic put himself at the top of the list with tonight's historic performance. 

MORE: Dirk Nowitzki weighs in on NBA's GOAT debate

He now holds the franchise record for most points scored in a single game, passing Nowitzki's previous record of 53 points. 

Doncic now owns four of the top 10 highest-scoring performances in franchise history. 

Highest-scoring games in Mavericks history
Rank Player Opponent Year Points
1. Luka Doncic Knicks 2022 60
2. Dirk Nowitzki Rockets 2004 53
3. Luka Doncic Clippers 2022 51
4. Dirk Nowitzki Warriors 2006 51
4. Luka Doncic Rockets 2022 50
6. Jim Jackson Nuggets 1994 50
7.  Jamal Mashburn Bulls 1994 50
8. Luka Doncic Pelicans 2022 49
9. Mark Aguirre 76ers 1985 49
10. Josh Howard Jazz 2007 47

Doncic leads the NBA

Doncic is the first player this season to record 60 points, eclipsing the previous high of 59 held by 76ers big man Joel Embiid. 

Of the ten 50+ point games this season, Doncic joins Joel Embiid and Devin Booker as the only players to record multiple 50-point games this season. 

Highest-scoring games in 2022-23
Rank Player Opponent Points
1. Luka Doncic Knicks 60
2. Joel Embiid Jazz 59
3. Devin Booker Pelicans 58
4. Anthony Davis Wizards 55
5. Joel Embiid Hornets 53
6. Pascal Siakam Knicks 52
7. = Devin Booker Bulls 51
7. = Darius Garland Timberwolves 51
9.= Stephen Curry Suns 50
9.= Luka Doncic Rockets 50

Social Reaction

NBA players around the league, past and present, were locked in on Doncic's historic night, taking to Twitter to marvel at the Slovenian's ridiculous performance. 

With the MVP race wide open, Doncic is doing his best to establish himself as the favorite for the award. 

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.