Luka Doncic makes history in unstoppable night as Dallas Mavericks defeat Spurs

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 126-125 behind another unbelievable performance from Luka Doncic. He was coming off two straight triple-doubles, including a never before done 60-point 20-rebound 10-assist game, and the Spurs did nothing to end his hot streak on Saturday as Dallas won their sixth straight game. It was Luka's third 50-point game in the last five.

Maxi Kleber, Josh Green, and Dorian Finney-Smith have all been sidelined during this streak. JaVale McGee missed Saturday’s game with an illness, but none of that matters. Doncic was been incredible as he is averaging more than 40-point triple-double over the six games. His MVP push is in full swing, and it continued on New Year’s Eve in San Antonio.

It was another history-making night as Luka had his eighth 40-point game of the season and third 50-piece. Here is a closer look at his performance before diving into what is ahead for the Mavericks to start 2023.

Luka Doncic makes history in an unstoppable night as Dallas Mavericks defeat the Spurs

Luka was locked in from the opening tipoff on Saturday night. He scored 22 in the opening quarter and 30 in the first half. Doncic was getting anywhere he wanted to the floor, and the Spurs had zero answers for number 77 on Saturday night.

Doncic scored his 40th point with over two minutes left in the third quarter. The Mavs had a comfortable ten-point edge after 36 minutes which allowed head coach Jason Kidd to give his superstar a few minutes of rest to open the final period.

Luka finished with 51 points, nine assists, six rebounds, four steals, and one blocks in 37 minutes of action. He made 18 of his 29 field goals, including six 3-pointers on his way to another incredible night. The Mavs outscored the Spurs by seven with number 77 on the floor on Saturday night.

It was Doncic’s 23rd career 40-point game, which broke the Mavericks franchise record previously held by Mark Aguirre. He has scored 50-plus in three of his last five games, and he has been absolutely on fire over the team’s six-game winning streak. He also accomplished another first on Saturday night.

Things got too close for comfort in the fourth quarter as the Mavericks' offense stalled out. It was an ugly win, but Dallas will take it. Without three of the best defenders, Dallas needs to outscore the opposition, and they barely did that on New Year’s Eve. They need all of Luka's 51 points to defeat the Spurs, but Doncic answered the call again in San Antonio.

Christian Wood continued his hot streak since moving into the starting five as he went for 25 points on 10 of 15 shooting from the field. His streak of blocking two or more shots ended at eight straight games, but C-Wood is playing arguably the best basketball of his career as the shorthanded Mavs remain white hot.

The Dallas Mavericks face the Houston Rockets on Monday night for the third time in their last six games. Dallas dominated the first two meetings as Luka Doncic has absolutely gone off against the Rockets in both contests. What will he do next? Be sure to tune in to find out.