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Mavericks’ Luka Doncic Eclipse LeBron James’ Insane Playoff Record By a Huge Margin

Published 06/06/2021, 11:40 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The Mavericks failed to seek their revenge from the series loss at Orlando Bubble against the Clippers. In round 1 of playoffs 2021, they lost Game 7 by a 15-point margin even after putting up a decent start. With that, it is no more Luka Doncic in the rest of the playoffs and hence, less of a chocolaty charm.

However, Luka did not disappoint his fans and gave them a great game to cherish, watch, and re-watch in loops. It was a night to remember for the 22-YO Slovenian because he won something even as his team unfortunately lost.

Luka Doncic with a better record than LeBron James

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The European legend-in-making scored 41.45% of the Mavericks’ total points and almost gave a heartache to Tyronn Lue. Luka Doncic registered 46 points, 7 rebs, and 14 assists and attempted 30 field goals on Sunday. With that, he became the only player under 23 years of age to score 40+ in a crazy Game 7. The next person following his record is LeBron James who did it much after turning 23. 

Now, this is one record that is tough to set because it depends a lot on the luck of a player too. For one, an athlete has to play the postseason earlier in his career. Secondly, one has to force a game 7 in a series to then stand a chance to score 40+. 

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However, LeBron had his shot against the Celtics in the EC semis of NBA Playoffs 2008. Coincidentally, even after scoring 45 points, Bron’s Cavs too had to taste a 92-97 loss against the C’s, who ultimately lifted the title. 

Mavericks Teammate Explains Why Team Isn’t Surprised by Luka Doncic’s Crazy Shots

What went wrong with the Mavericks that they lost?

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The one problem that kept eating away the Mavs throughout the series again bit them in Game 7. They gained no help whatsoever from their bench and that cost their starting five to push the gas pedal alone. 

The Mavericks starters averaged more than 40 mpg and that wore them down until the last quarter. It was strange how four players registering a double-double and every starter adding in double figures could not save them their series.

However, there was one area where they failed as a unit and that was their pathetic long-range shooting. Both Tim Hardaway Jr and Kristaps Porzingis combined for a shameful 1/14 from downtown and that cost them many transitions. 

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Plus, a very disciplined performance from the Clippers’ bench in Luke Kennard and Terance Mann further did more damage. All-in-all, it was heartbreaking for many to see the Mavs going down 3-4 after leading 2-0 with three home games remaining.

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Written by:

Sourabh Singh

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Sourabh Singh is an NBA sports analyst for EssentiallySports, who has been working with the site since May 2020. Prior to this, he functioned as Managing Editor at WittyFeed, followed by a stint at Decathlon. The Sports Management graduate leads an active lifestyle, veering to the mountains for off-trail adventures.
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