Luka Doncic records 38-point triple-double, carries Porzingis-less Mavericks to win over the Chicago Bulls

Author Photo
Luka Doncic vs. the Bulls

Coming into this game against the Chicago Bulls, the Mavericks had a rough week. They went 1-3 in their four games with losses coming in Los Angeles (Lakers), Oklahoma City, and at home against the Charlotte Hornets.

Today's game had a must-win feel for the Mavs, with games against playoff-caliber opponents coming up as they take on the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Philadelphia 76ers in their next three games. 

The reigning Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic almost single-handedly ensured the Mavericks came out on top. Here are the key takeaways from the game:

Luka's triple-double makes & breaks records

Doncic finished the game with 38 points (14-of-24 FG's), 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in 35 minutes. 

This was his ninth 30-point triple-double (11th overall) of the season, one more than the rest of the league combined.  

It was only the sixth time in NBA history that a player under 21 had recorded a triple-double with 38 or more points and Luka Doncic owns five of those six instances with LeBron James the only other entrant. 

Doncic's BIG 3rd Q

Doncic literally carried the Mavericks in the third quarter. He was on fire in the third period, scoring 21 (9-14 FG's) of his 38 points.

He scored or assisted on 23 of the team's 27 points, ensuring they matched the Bulls' tally for the quarter and remained ahead.

Perfect Powell & Hardaway Jr. returns

With Kristaps Porzingis out for the fourth-straight game, Doncic did the bulk of the Mavericks' scoring, but he got solid contributions from Dwight Powell and Tim Hardaway Jr. 

Powell finished with 16 points and seven rebounds on a perfect 6-6 shooting from the field. 

Before pulling a hamstring in a game against the Lakers, 10 days back, Hardaway Jr. was playing some of the best basketball of his career. In 19 straight games as a starter, he was averaging 16.2 points in 27.8 minutes on 46.2% shooting from the field and 43.2% from beyond the arc.

He returned from to the line-up today and it felt like he didn't miss a beat. In 22 minutes, he scored 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field and 3-of-4 from 3-point land.

The views on this page do not necessarily represent the views of the NBA or its clubs.

Author(s)