Where does Luka Doncic’s game-winner versus Celtics rank among best clutch shots?
By Tyler Watts
![Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3000,h_1687,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/83/01gbfm5kf9zfaptm6p84.jpg)
The Dallas Mavericks know Luka Doncic is one of the best clutch shot makers in the league. His game-winning buzzer-beater against the LA Clippers in the bubble playoffs is an unforgettable shot that will continue to be replayed for years to come.
The Mavericks have just 27 game-winning buzzer-beaters in their franchise history, and Doncic has already nailed three. The 23-year-old is immune to the pressure of those moments, and he relishes taking those shots.
Luka drilled another game-winner against the Boston Celtics last season, but where did it rank among the year’s best clutch plays? Here is a closer look, plus more on where the Mavericks ranked and what to expect this season.
Where does Luka Doncic’s game-winner versus the Celtics rank among the best clutch shots?
Back in November, the Celtics visited Dallas and the game was tied at 104 in the final seconds. Doncic had the ball. As he dribbled down the left side, Boston tried to bring help, but it was too late. Luka got into his step back and sank a game-winning buzzer-beater to give the Mavs the victory.
"LUKA MAGIC ON A SATURDAY NIGHT"
— NBA (@NBA) August 26, 2022
Claiming the 6th spot on the TOP 50 Clutch Plays, @luka7doncic is immune to pressure! #NBAClutchWeek pic.twitter.com/hcNEnuqiQr
That shot ranked as the sixth-best clutch play last season. Fans could argue it deserved to be number one. Saddiq Bey hit an impossible 3-pointer as he was double covered at number five. Two of the top four were from the postseason with DeMar DeRozan and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander taking the top two spots.
Spencer Dinwiddie’s game-winning buzzer-beater against his former team the Brooklyn Nets ranked 13th. It was Luka Doncic drawing a double team that set up the play. The Mavericks acquired Dinwiddie at the deadline, but he hit multiple clutch shots for Dallas.
Teams better keep double-teaming Luka Doncic in those clutch moments because the 23-year-old superstar will keep knocking them down if not. Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Reggie Bullock can all knock down open looks. If the Dallas Mavericks have Christian Wood in their closing five, there is nobody the defense can leave open, so good luck stopping them with the game on the line.
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