Alien? Luka Doncic did the impossible by nailing game-tying putback off a missed free throw 2 years ago

Two years ago, Luka Doncic scored an incredible 60 point triple-double in the NBA with a near-impossible clutch performance.

Alien? Luka Doncic did the impossible by nailing game-tying putback off a missed free throw 2 years ago

Luka Doncic scored a 60 point triple-double in a clutch performance against the New York Knicks in 2022

On December 27, 2022, Luka Doncic etched his name into NBA history with a performance for the ages. The Dallas Mavericks superstar recorded the first-ever 60-21-10 triple-double in league history during a dramatic overtime win against the New York Knicks. However, the defining moment of the game came in the final seconds of regulation when Doncic pulled off something seemingly impossible.

With the game on the line, Doncic orchestrated an intentionally missed free throw into a miraculous game-tying fading putback shot. The play unfolded with the Mavericks trailing by two points and just a few seconds left on the clock. Luka Doncic deliberately missed his free throw for a chance at a putback shot and pure magic.

YouTube video

Amid a crowded paint, Doncic soared to grab the rebound, never touching the ground as he threw up a fading jump shot that banked in to tie the game. The arena erupted, and the Knicks were left stunned. The game ended in a Mavericks victory in overtime, with Doncic stealing the show.

FS Video

Luka Doncic’s historic performance not only set a franchise record for points in a game at the time, but also added to his growing legacy as one of the NBA’s most electrifying talents. He has delivered multiple 50-point games, including a pair of 51-point outings against the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers in 2022.

Earlier this year, Doncic showcased his scoring prowess once again, dropping a historic 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks. It was a career-high and the fourth-highest single-game total in NBA history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant.

RELATED
Luka Doncic recalls Mavs’ Finals run ahead of WCF rematch against Timberwolves
Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic set to miss significant time with injury

Unfortunately for Mavericks fans, Luka Doncic is set to miss significant time due to a left calf strain. The injury occurred during Dallas’ recent loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Doncic strained his calf on a routine play in the second quarter. He exited the game after recording 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists in just 16 minutes of play.

The Mavericks announced that Doncic would be re-evaluated in a month, leaving uncertainty about his return timeline. While the injury doesn’t appear to be season-ending, there is certainly concern about the 25-year-old Slovenian star’s injury history. He has already missed eight games this season.

To add to his troubles, Doncic’s injury all but eliminates his hopes of competing for MVP honors this season. Under league rules, players must appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for MVP and other awards. Doncic has appeared in just 22 games so far, meaning he would need to play in 43 of the Mavericks’ remaining games to meet the threshold.

RELATED
WATCH: Luka Doncic quickly gets checked by Draymond Green for NSFW taunt
Luka Doncic and Draymond Green

Even before the calf strain, Luka Doncic’s season had been plagued by injuries, including stretches where he missed multiple consecutive games. Despite this, he has maintained elite numbers, averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. With their star sidelined, the Mavericks must navigate a challenging stretch of the season. They currently sit at 19-11.