Luka Doncic first since Wilt Chamberlain with 7 30-point video games to open season

DALLAS — It has been sixty years for the reason that NBA has seen a season-opening scoring streak like Luka Doncic’s scorching begin to the season.

Doncic has scored at the least 30 factors in every of the Dallas Mavericks’ first seven video games, the longest 30-point streak to begin a season since Wilt Chamberlain in 1962-63. It is a feat that has solely been completed 3 times beforehand, twice by Chamberlain and as soon as by Jack Twyman.

Doncic is averaging a league-leading 36.1 factors per recreation. In line with ESPN Stats & Data analysis, that’s the third highest-scoring common by seven video games within the final 60 seasons behind Michael Jordan (37.0 in 1986-87) and James Harden (36.6 in 2019-20).

“That is uncommon air and we get to see that on a nightly foundation,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd stated after Doncic had 33 factors in a 103-100 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday evening. “That is fairly cool. A 23-year-old child that’s taking part in on this stage is basically, actually particular to see. He can do it in so some ways, while you discuss posting up or attending to the basket, taking pictures the three or taking pictures that little step again.

“It is actually cool to observe, and it simply reveals the main focus that he has proper now. He is carrying the crew and placing the crew in place to win.”

Doncic additionally had 11 assists, marking his fourth 30-point, 10-assist efficiency already this season. The remainder of the NBA has mixed for 4 such outings this season. Doncic broke Mark Aguirre’s franchise report for the longest streak of 30-point video games.

As Doncic famous, it is a stark distinction to his sluggish begin final season, when he admittedly reported to coaching camp off form.

“I simply know from final 12 months I needed to begin higher, as a result of the best way I began final 12 months wasn’t acceptable,” stated Doncic, who’s taking pictures 51.4% from the ground. “I attempted to be taught from that and simply do higher than final 12 months.”

Doncic, a first-team All-NBA choice the final three seasons, has continuously discovered himself on quick lists of gamers who’ve hit sure statistical milestones. With a smile, he talked about that plainly Chamberlain is “at all times there.”

“Superb, however I am not stunned,” Dallas guard Spencer Dinwiddie stated of Doncic’s traditionally important scoring streak. “Luka’s a savant in each sense of the phrase because it applies to basketball. Nothing shocks me. Clearly, he is younger and the most effective is but to return. I believe he’ll set lots of data for the Mavs and be within the dialog with the greats.”