Luka Doncic stuns Celtics with game-winning stepback 3-pointer at the buzzer

Benyam Kidane

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Luka Doncic stuns Celtics with game-winning stepback 3-pointer at the buzzer image

No moment is too big for Luka Doncic!

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With time winding down against the Boston Celtics and the score tied at 104-104, the ball was only going to one man, with the Celtics defence zoned in on Doncic. 

The mercurial guard got to his spot on the left wing and despite the attention of three Celtics defenders, he let the stepback triple fly like he was messing around at a YMCA.

BANG!


“For one second I just stood there, I didn’t realise I made it,” Doncic said post-game.

“But it was amazing, you know? … I got to say I think I like the left foot on the 45 degrees. I think I like that spot, so I was going to that spot.

"Wins like this they just pump the chemistry, pump everything and I think this is a good win to move forward."

Check out the reaction from the American Airlines Center crowd:

Former teammate Seth Curry was not surprised at all.


Doncic is making a habit out of these late-game heroics, with tonight's game-winner the third buzzer-beater of his career.

He finished the win with a game-high 33 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a block on 12-of-21 from the field and 5-of-10 from the 3-point line.

Boston fought back from a 17-point half-time deficit and took the lead with 2:12 remaining in the game, thanks to a 3-pointer from Marcus Smart, before Kristaps Porzingis' dunk tied things up to set up the final play for Doncic.

“I think everyone knew the ball was going to 77, and he delivered,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. “He loves that moment, his teammates know that, and I would say the opposing team knew the ball was going to Luka and there was nothing they could do.”

The Mavericks, who have now won three of their last four games, welcomed back Kristaps Porzingis into the starting lineup after missing five games, with the big man ejoying a productive outing, recording 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals on 7-of-13 shooting, including some timely plays down the stretch. 


"He’s so clutch, it’s insane. It’s always so fun to watch him play,” Porzingis said of Doncic.

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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.