Luka Dončić Shines Post-Injury, Surpasses Chamberlain and Harden in Triple-Doubles During Mavericks' Seven-Game Win Streak
Luka Dončić continues to etch his name in the NBA record books, recording his 79th career triple-double in the Dallas Mavericks’ 125-118 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. This achievement propels him past Wilt Chamberlain and James Harden into sole possession of seventh place on the league’s all-time triple-double list.
“Those are unbelievable names,” Dončić remarked. “Just to be up there with them—it’s unbelievable for me. I never take it for granted. I just want to keep having fun playing basketball.”
Dončić’s performance was instrumental in securing the Mavericks’ seventh consecutive win and their 11th in the last 12 games. He finished with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, marking his second straight triple-double.
“That’s an incredible feat for Luka,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “When you talk about his skill set filling up the stat sheet, he’s had two [triple-doubles] here, and he can run them off. We always expect him to have a triple-double, and sometimes I think he plans for triple-doubles. But I think right now you can see that he’s starting to get into a groove.”
Luka Dončić Approaching Historic Milestones
At just 25 years old, Dončić is rapidly ascending the NBA’s all-time triple-double rankings. He now trails only six players, with his head coach occupying the sixth spot with 107 triple-doubles. Kidd humorously acknowledged the situation, saying, “I guess I got to sit him. Nah, I’m not going to sit him.”
Dončić’s 47 career 30-point triple-doubles place him third in NBA history, behind Oscar Robertson (106) and Russell Westbrook (48). This season, he averages 28.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. If these numbers hold, Dončić will tie Robertson for the most seasons, averaging at least 28 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, with five such seasons each. They are the only players who have achieved this feat more than once.
Team Chemistry Fuels Success
Dončić’s impact has continued the Mavericks’ momentum that started while sidelined due to his recent injury. The team has won seven consecutive games, along with 11 in their previous 12 outings, with a 16-8 record that briefly had them ranked second in the Western Conference standings before Sunday’s game pushed them down to fourth.
Since returning from a right wrist sprain, he’s averaged 31.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists, and 3.3 steals, shooting 50.6% overall and 42.9% from deep (10.5 attempts per game). From Dončić’s perspective, the formula for success has been great chemistry while sharing the ball, playing with energy, and having fun.
“Great, I think, offense and defense,” Dončić said. “Just sharing the ball, having fun playing with these guys on the floor. Everybody’s playing relaxed, locked in, [with] high intensity. We just enjoy each other.”
The performance in Toronto showed how dangerous the Mavericks’ offense can be when Dončić, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson score at a high volume on the same night. They each scored 20 or more points, with Irving totaling 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Thompson chipped in 20 points and 5 rebounds. A total of six players scored in double figures.
Even as the Raptors mounted a comeback, narrowing a 24-point deficit to five, the Mavericks maintained their composure.
“We shared the ball, and even when they came back, we stayed together,” Dončić noted. “That was a big thing.”
Luka Dončić Providing Highlight-Reel Moments
Spectacular plays, including a no-look punctuated Dončić’s performance, over-the-shoulder pass to Kyrie Irving for a three-pointer, a banked three-pointer from near midcourt to beat the second-quarter buzzer, and a patient dart to Klay Thompson in the corner with a transition throw-ahead pass for a three.
“He’s getting everybody involved, he’s rebounding the ball, but also he’s scoring,” Kidd observed. “You can see that his shooting is starting to pick up from long range. He’s starting to knock them down.”
As the season progresses, Dončić’s exceptional play continues to drive the Mavericks’ success, solidifying his status as an MVP candidate and potentially a six-time All-NBA First-Team member.
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday at Paycom Center to decide which team advances to Las Vegas for the NBA Cup Semifinal. It will mark another high-stakes game against postseason foes.
A victory in Oklahoma City would position the Mavericks to face the winner of the Houston Rockets versus Golden State Warriors matchup on December 12 at T Mobile Arena. A loss would result in facing the loser, with it being on the road if it’s the Warriors but at home if they face the Rockets.
