UPDATE: Luka Doncic makes history.
From NBA History: “Luka Doncic is the third-youngest player to score 25 or more points in the first half of an NBA Finals game.”
The only other players to accomplish this at a younger age were Kyrie Irving in 2017 and Hakeem Olajuwon in 1986.”
Luka Doncic is the third-youngest player to score 25 or more points in the first half of an NBA Finals game.
The only other players to accomplish this at a younger age were Kyrie Irving in 2017 and Hakeem Olajuwon in 1986. pic.twitter.com/uyd0qekHBI
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) June 15, 2024
On Friday night, Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks will face the Boston Celtics (at home in Texas) in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
Doncic got off to a strong start, scoring 13 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal on 5-of-8 field goals in his first 10 minutes.
The All-Star forward also made his mark in NBA history by becoming the 126th player to reach 1,500 playoff points.
Luca Spin Cycle 🌪️
He scored 12 early points as Dallas jumped out to a first quarter lead in Game 4 on ABC 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KWKoTJXxfn
— NBA (@NBA) June 15, 2024
Just 25 years old, Doncic is on pace to become one of the leading scorers in postseason history.
If he doubles his postseason total and reaches 3,000 points, he’ll move into the top 30 players of all time.
Considering Doncic has only appeared in the playoffs four times, it’s possible he could reach that point before his 30th birthday.
The Mavs are currently 0-3 behind the Celtics and need a win to avoid ending their season.
Most recently, the Celtics won Game 3 (also in Texas) 106-99.
If the Mavs survive, the teams will return to Boston on Monday night for Game 5.
Luka does a little magic before the match 👀
Can the Mavs take it to Game 5? Tip-off next on ABC! pic.twitter.com/dX2ZqqiAPl
— NBA (@NBA) June 15, 2024
Doncic has reached the Western Conference finals in two of the past three seasons but this will be his first time playing in the NBA Finals.
He finished the regular season with averages of 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 48.7% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range.
