Luka Dončić is doing things this season that feel almost mythological - and Thursday night against the Jazz was another chapter in what's shaping up to be a historic run. The Mavericks star poured in 45 points with surgical efficiency, dished out 14 assists, grabbed 11 rebounds, and swiped five steals. That’s his third triple-double of the season and his sixth 40-point game - and we’re not even at the halfway mark yet.
What makes this performance even more impressive? He did it while leading his team to a 143-135 win after they trailed by double digits in the second quarter. The Mavericks’ defense was shaky early, but Dončić took over, steadying the ship and pushing them past the finish line in a high-scoring shootout.
He’s not just scoring in bunches - he’s doing it with control and purpose. Dončić now leads the league in scoring average, and his season line of 35.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game puts him within striking distance of a triple-double average. That’s rarefied air, and he’s making it look routine.
After the game, Dončić was his usual candid self, acknowledging that even with the monster stat line, he felt like he left something on the table.
“I think, honestly, I could do so much more,” Dončić said. “But I think that one turnover is the best stat-wise on this stat sheet. We had seven turnovers, which is impressive for us and we won the game.”
That’s the kind of mindset that separates stars from superstars. Yes, the 45 points jump off the page.
But for Dončić, the real win was protecting the basketball - just one turnover in a game where he had the ball in his hands nearly every possession. That kind of efficiency is gold for a team trying to compete with the league’s best.
And for a little historical context: since the NBA began tracking steals in 1973-74, only two players have ever recorded a 45-point triple-double in a game. Cade Cunningham did it earlier this season in an overtime thriller. Now Dončić joins that exclusive club - and he didn’t need the extra five minutes to get there.
There’s been some talk about whether Dončić is being too aggressive - he leads the league in both field-goal attempts and three-point tries per game. But when you’re putting up numbers like this, it’s hard to argue against letting him cook. Sometimes, a little offensive “greed” is exactly what a team needs - especially when the defense isn’t doing its part.
And that’s the reality right now. The Mavericks sit 22nd in defensive rating, and that’s not going to cut it against the NBA’s elite. Which means Dončić might have to keep pushing the limits of what’s possible just to keep his team in the conversation.
If Thursday night is any indication, he’s more than up to the challenge.