In a remarkable week that will certainly go down in the annals of NBA history, the league witnessed a phenomenal scoring rampage, led by none other than the Dallas Mavericks’ superstar, Luka Doncic.
The Slovakian phenomenon stacked up an extraordinary 73-point game. This feat, surpassing the over-50-point records set by Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Devin Booker, allowed Paul Pierce to share his opinion on the current state of the NBA, particularly its defensive aspects.
Paul Pierce reacts to Luka Doncic’s historic game
Paul Pierce, who is often known for his straight up candid opinions, took to social media to express his nostalgia for the defensive ordeal during his playing time.
Pierce tweeted on X saying, “Damn I miss Defense in the NBA”, prompting on the difference in the type of defense that they had on the opponents as compared to one being implemented in today’s generation.
Pierce seems to indirectly convey the difficulty of scoring over 50 points during his time in comparison to stacking up the same stats in the present era. His career high of 50 points stands modest in comparison to the offensive overpowering force of today’s game, but Pierce’s comment brings to light the evolution of the league from the gritty, defense-first mindset of the past to the high-scoring, offense-driven exhibition that is exercised today.
While some other fans have a different view on this, by hilariously pulling a clip of Pierce falling to the ground while defending Joe Johnson:
However, the night of Doncic’s monumental achievement against the Atlanta Hawks was nothing short of historic. By scoring a franchise record of 73 points, Doncic has finally joined the ranks of Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, and David Thompson in the NBA’s record books.
His performance was a blend of priceless shooting precision and strategic playmaking ability, further underscoring his rising status as one of the league’s most talented players to have ever played basketball. The game ended with the Mavericks’ victory over the Hawks at 148-143, with Doncic’s scoring accounting for nearly half of his team’s points.
Doncic’s remarkable feat wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a testament to the shifting dynamics of the NBA. In a league increasingly focused on three-point shooting and fast-paced offense, Doncic’s game was a perfect example of modern basketball’s high-scoring nature. This shift has brought about mixed reactions from fans and former players alike. While some revel in the excitement of high-scoring games, others, like Pierce, yearn for the days when defense was as celebrated as offense.
Luka Doncic caps off point-flooded week in NBA
In a week where the NBA scoreboards are lit up like never before, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks set a new pinnacle for individual scoring prowess that was set this week.
The 26th of January 2024 is the date that is going to be marked down into the history of the NBA as Doncic inks down his staggering 73-point performance against the Atlanta Hawks, capping off a week of historic offensive exhibitions.
Doncic’s feat came in a week where the NBA witnessed not one, not two but three instances of dual 60-point performances. Earlier, the center star of the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid, the 7-foot tower for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Karl-Anthony Towns; and the star guard of the Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker, had also marked their milestone achievement on the scoreboards with 70, 62 and 62 points on a 60%, 59% and 58% shooting from their field, respectively.
Doncic’s performance was not just about the scoring; he also recorded 10 rebounds and 7 assists, making him the fifth player in NBA history to achieve at least 70 points and 10 rebounds in a single game. This feat actually becomes even more impressive, especially considering that no one in NBA history has ever matched the combination of points, rebounds, and assists that Doncic has tallied in this game.
With the Dallas Mavericks in the 8th position in the NBA rankings, the only question that lies ahead for Doncic is: Can he carry his team to a championship this season? Let us know what you think in the comments down below!
