Two Years Ago Today: Luka Doncic’s Legendary 60-Point Triple-Double
On December 27, 2022, Luka Dončić etched his name into NBA history with a moment so unforgettable it still resonates with basketball fans worldwide. Two years ago today, Dončić delivered one of the most incredible individual performances the league has ever seen—a game-tying putback off a missed free throw, followed by a game-changing 60-point triple-double in overtime.
The game took place between Dončić’s Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Mavericks found themselves down by two points with only 1.0 seconds left in regulation. The odds of securing a win seemed slim. However, Dončić, as he often does, turned an impossible situation into pure magic.
The scenario unfolded as Mavericks forward Christian Wood stepped to the line for two free throws. With the first attempt made, Wood missed the second, leaving the Mavs trailing by two. But in a moment of sheer instinct and awareness, Dončić timed his jump perfectly to grab the rebound and, with a deft touch, laid the ball in as time expired. The crowd erupted, realizing that Dončić had just forced overtime in the most improbable way.
Once overtime began, Dončić wasn’t finished. He continued to display his otherworldly skill set. He scored relentlessly, while also showcasing his remarkable vision by dishing out assists. By the final buzzer, Dončić had recorded a jaw-dropping 60 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists. His 21 rebounds were the most ever for a guard in a triple-double performance, further solidifying the magnitude of his achievement.
In addition to his scoring and rebounding, Dončić’s performance also included clutch moments in crunch time, controlling the game when his team needed it the most. His final free throw to seal the win—Dallas defeated New York 126-121—came as a fitting conclusion to a performance that will go down in NBA lore.
Dončić’s 60-point triple-double against the Knicks not only cemented his status as one of the league’s brightest young stars but also placed him in the conversation with some of the greatest to ever play the game. His unprecedented combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, along with his poise in high-pressure moments, made it clear that Luka’s potential is limitless.
Two years later, fans still look back on that game as one of the most thrilling and remarkable individual performances in NBA history. For Luka Dončić, it was a definitive moment that helped elevate his place in the game’s history books.
