Record-Breaking Triple-Double
Luka Doncic secured his third consecutive triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in the Mavericks’ home game victory. This feat ties him with Russell Westbrook and Draymond Green, trailing only Nikola Jokic and Wilt Chamberlain, who achieved four consecutive triple-doubles in playoff history. Notably, both Jokic and Chamberlain led their teams to championships in those years.
Playoff Triple-Double Milestones
This game marked Doncic’s seventh career playoff triple-double, placing him 11th on the all-time list. His next targets are Oscar Robertson with eight and Chamberlain with nine. Among active players, LeBron James leads with 28, followed by Jokic with 18, Westbrook with 12, and Green with 10.
Overcoming Injuries and Leading the Team
Despite dealing with multiple injuries, Doncic’s leadership was pivotal in the final two games, propelling the Mavericks to their sixth Western Conference Finals appearance. Throughout the series, he averaged 24.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
A Special Achievement
“We pulled off an incredible comeback, and reaching the Western Conference Finals feels really special,” Doncic said. “You can see, this lineup has only been together for five months, and we can still get better.”
Comparing to an Idol
This game was Doncic’s 40th playoff appearance, in which he averaged 31 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. In comparison, his idol LeBron James averaged 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in his first 40 playoff games, showcasing Doncic’s comparable prowess.
Looking Ahead to the Finals
Regarding the upcoming Western Conference Finals, Doncic commented, “Whether we face the Timberwolves or the Nuggets, both are very tough teams. Today, we will enjoy this victory and pay respect to the Thunder. Then, we will rest and prepare for the next series by watching their Game 7.”
Celebrating the Victory
Doncic emphasized the importance of celebrating their hard-fought win before shifting focus to the next challenge. The Mavericks eagerly await their opponent in the Western Conference Finals, ready to continue their quest for a second championship. (JILICC)