'I feel 40' – Birthday boy Doncic dispatches Raptors
Patric Ridge
February 29, 2024 22:35 MYT
February 29, 2024 22:35 MYT
Luka Doncic quipped he feels like he is 40 years old after he celebrated his 25th birthday in style.
Doncic became the first player in NBA history to finish with a triple-double on their birthday as he led the Dallas Mavericks to a 136-125 win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
He finished with 30 points, 16 assists and 11 rebounds for his 11th triple-double of the season.
Doncic has now had 39 30-point triple-doubles, which sees him surpass LeBron James in the all-time list for that feat.
When asked if he considered his 25th birthday as a milestone, Doncic joked: "I feel like [I'm] 40, so no."
Doncic was 11 for 23 from the field and missed 7 of 8 from 3-point range in his 67th career triple-double.
"Just a normal game, triple-double," Jason Kidd said.
"He was really good. I guess 25 means he's still going to be really good as he gets older here."
Birthday wins hit different @luka7doncic #MFFL pic.twitter.com/WIpSXtE27m — Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 29, 2024
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Kyrie Irving scored 15 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter and P.J. Washington Jr. added 23 points for Dallas, as they bounced back from back-to-back defeats.
"Kyrie and Luka, they had such a poise in important moments to make the right plays," said Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic after his team saw a three-game winning streak snapped.
Doncic added: "We just played aggressive on defense, got out on transition, that's it.
"My team knows when I'm engaged. Everybody helps everyone to be engaged.
"I'm having so much fun. Back-to-back is always tough, a great win today, I've got to get some rest now."