Luka Magic!
There were multiple spectacular scoring performances this week but only one player put up a stat line that has never been seen before in NBA history. Luka Doncic put together a stat line in a performance that even the legendary Wilt Chamberlain never achieved. Doncic had a career high 60 points and 20 rebounds while dishing out 10 assists in an incredible comeback win over the Knicks. Dallas was down by 9 with 33 seconds but somehow managed to cut the lead to two after a crazy back and forth sequence. Still, since the Mavs were down two Luka was forced to intentionally miss the second free throw attempt but somehow was able to get the ball back to hit a miraculous shot tie the game with one second left. The performance marked the first 60 point game in Dallas history as well as Luka seventh triple double of the season. Doncic hit a clutch shot and got to 60 points with two made free throws in overtime to lead the Mavericks to victory. Doncic left it all on the floor playing all but 12 seconds of the second half and overtime and after the game said "I'm tired as hell" and "I need a recovery beer". After a history making performance like that who can blame him.
The win over the New York Knicks marked their fourth consecutive victory putting the Mavs 3 games over .500. As of today the Mavericks have won 6 straight games and have risen to the 4th seed in the west.
A Week of Impressive Performances
This week, there were 12 players who scored at least 40 points marking a week full of historic and electrifying performances. Arguably the best performances this week came from Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Luka scored a career high 60 points and a never before seen 60-21-10 triple double performance and later followed it up with 51 points against the Spurs on Saturday. Giannis was simply dominant with back to back 40 point 20 rebound performances, he had 45 points and 22 rebounds in an OT loss against the Bulls followed by a 43 point and 20 rebound performance in a win over the Timberwolves. Other noteworthy performances came from Joel Embiid, Zion Williamson, and Lebron James.
Embiid, who is currently the second leading scorer in the NBA averaging 33.2 had another amazing performance in what is so far the best scoring season of his career. Embiid scored 48 points and had 10 rebounds in a surprising loss to the Wizards.
Zion Williamson had arguably the best performance of his young career so far as he dropped a career high 43 points. He scored the final 14 points for the Pelicans including the game winning free throws to lead the Pelicans to a 119-118 win over the Timberwolves.
Lastly, Lebron James put up his best performance of the season at a very special time as he scored a season high 47 points and falling an assist short of a triple double in a win on the road against the Hawks on his 38th birthday.
Are the Suns Sinking?
The Suns have recently hit a rough patch in what was previously a very successful season as not long ago they had one of the best records in the west. Recently, they have fallen off a bit after their superstar, Devin Booker, has not played a full game since his incredible 58 point performance on Dec. 17th. In his absence, the Suns have struggled as of late losing 5 of their last 6 games and are currently on a two game losing streak. Because of their recently struggles in an ultra competitive western conference, the Suns have fallen into the play-in bracket as they are currently the 7th seed in the west. With the Suns expected to be without Booker for at least the next 4 weeks due to a groin injury; they likely will continue to struggle if other players do not step up in Booker's absence. The Suns will need to rely on Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton to help get through this current stretch of the season or they risk falling down further in the western conference standings.
Next week, the Suns will look to end their two game losing streak as they take on the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat.
Game of the week- Kevin Huerter hits a go-ahead 3 pointer with 9.2 seconds left to give the Kings the lead as the Kings survive to win against the Jazz 126-125. Markkanen scores games high 36 points in the loss.
Source- NBA YouTube Channel
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