Luka Doncic erupts for a 42-point triple-double, makes NBA history again / News - Basketnews.com

Luka Doncic went for a 42-point triple-double in the Mavs' win over the Blazers, becoming just the 6th player in NBA history with at least four 40+ point triple-doubles.

Credit: USA Today Sports – Scanpix Credit USA Today Sports – Scanpix

When Luka Doncic has his night, it is almost impossible to stop him. And then the Dallas Mavericks team raise their chances against any NBA team. That was also the case when the Texans defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 117-112, in front of their fans.

Most of the credit for the victory staying at home in the American Airlines Center went to Doncic, who shined in the sold-out game with his third double-double this season. The Slovenian star scored as many as 42 points in 38 minutes (13/22 FG, 15/18 FT).

In addition, he collected 13 rebounds, ten assists, one block, two steals, and he also made 2 turnovers. By doing so, he became just the 6th player in NBA history with at least four 40+ point triple-doubles.

"We came back after two painful defeats and showed a very good performance. When we play the way we did this time, it's really hard to beat us. Although I didn't play my best in the previous two games, the fans supported me loudly, for which I am very grateful," said the 23-year-old from Ljubljana after the victory.

"I was just attacking the paint," said Doncic, who ranks 10th in NBA history with 49 triple-doubles. "You could see the last two games I didn't get the free throw line and I wasn't efficient because I wasn't going into the lane."

The Blazers were determined not to let Doncic beat them down the stretch, trapping him to force the ball out of his hands. His teammates responded by making 3-pointers on four straight possessions to take command in the final minutes, the first coming off a Doncic assist and the next three off of ball movement started by him.

Doncic didn't hesitate to give up the ball with the game on the line, as a Mavs team that had been poor in clutch situations closed out the Blazers.

"I draw the defense, just attack the paint and kick it out, and they’re going to be open all game," said Doncic, who is leading the league with 34.3 points per game and ranks eighth in assists (8.1).

"Just keep shooting. I always tell them, 'Keep shooting. You’re open, you’ve got to shoot it.' That's it. I’m going to keep my trust in them. That's easy for me."

Doncic was also praised by Jason Kidd, the coach of Dallas, saying: "Luka scored 42 points, a triple double, it's just a little walk in the park for him."

Kidd expressed concern after back-to-back losses to the Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards, when Doncic shot a combined 17/50 from the floor, that the Mavs were asking too much of their superstar. Doncic is leading the league in usage rate for the third consecutive season.

"He's human," Kidd said. "But I think losing two in a row and not playing well, the guys who have seen him the most, he's always bounced back. That's what he did tonight. He could have easily taken the game off to get some rest, but he fought and put us in position to win."

Luka's teammates Spencer Dinwiddie and Christian Wood also played very well, contributing 20 and 19 points, respectively. Both made seven of eleven attempts from the field, but Dinwiddie was especially accurate from behind the three-point line (6/8).

"Luka does a phenomenal job being a problem for the defense," said Mavs guard, who also added 7 rebounds and 6 assists. "He gets two on the ball, and he makes the right read, right pass."

Jerami Grant scored 37 points for Portland, to ago along with 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, but he was insufficient.

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