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Dallas Mavericks: Top 10 moments of the 2018-19 NBA season

By Daniel Lubofsky

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 18: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates with Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks after scoring a basket against Kenrich Williams #34 of the New Orleans Pelicans to become the sixth all-time leading scorer in the NBA at American Airlines Center on March 18, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 18: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates with Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks after scoring a basket against Kenrich Williams #34 of the New Orleans Pelicans to become the sixth all-time leading scorer in the NBA at American Airlines Center on March 18, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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3. Luka closes out a state rival

By the time Dallas’ Dec, 8 matchup with the Houston Rockets came around, Mavs fans had been firmly introduced to the show that is Luka Doncic. Having traded for him on draft night, many had expected greatness from the reigning EuroLeague MVP, but just how well he’d play was up for debate given his age. That is, until he stepped foot onto the court at the American Airlines Center.

Against the Houston Rockets, the Mavericks found themselves down seven points with just over three minutes remaining in the game. Defeat seemed all but inevitable, especially given Doncic’s struggles in scoring just 10 points up until that point.

To say Luka single-handedly led his new team back is no understatement. He went on a personal 11-0 run in those final minutes, highlighted by a nasty step-back 3 over Clint Capela that broke a 102-102 tie. The Mavericks wouldn’t relinquish the lead on their way to an improbable 107-104 win.

Rarely have we seen even perennial All-Stars and MVP candidates close out a game in similar fashion. Yet Doncic is no ordinary rookie, having ruled overseas long before he came to the NBA. It’s for this reason his first go-around in the league was so dominant and why feats such as this one were so commonplace.

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