Doncic makes NBA history again vs. Jazz

Joseph Kallan

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Luka Doncic once again makes NBA history in win vs. Jazz image

TL;DR

  • Luka Doncic is the first NBA player to exceed 400 points and 100 assists in his initial 12 games.
  • Doncic, aged 26, is a leading MVP contender with impressive stats and a 46.7% field goal percentage.
  • The Los Angeles Lakers have won 9 of their last 11 games with Doncic, improving their standings.

When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luka Doncic at the February 6th trade deadline last season, the franchise knew they had acquired a generational talent capable of carrying them to greater postseason success than they ever imagined.

Months later, L.A. Discovered the extent of Doncic's regular-season dominance.

Following Sunday night's 108-106 victory against the Utah Jazz, Doncic achieved a milestone, becoming the first player in NBA history to surpass 400 points and 100 assists within his first 12 games. This remarkable feat, which even LeBron James hasn't managed in his 23-year tenure, was reached by Doncic at the young age of 26.

Doncic's performance has transcended All-Star level, positioning him as a leading MVP contender this season. His current stats include 34.5 points, 8.9 assists, and 8.8 rebounds per game, with a shooting percentage of 46.7% from the floor. In the victory against Utah, he nearly achieved a triple-double, recording 33 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in 40 minutes of play.

Doncic consistently demonstrates this isn't a revenge tour, whether he's dazzling with spectacular passes or executing trick plays, such as a between-the-legs maneuver against Kevin Love.

This is a message to the Lakers fans, who have welcomed him warmly and with great appreciation.

Even though he's the league's top scorer, he's the sole player in the top five for both assists and steals per game. Doncic also stands out as one of just three players this season to rank in at least two of the league's top five statistical areas, alongside Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama.

The Lakers' performance has demonstrably improved when Doncic is playing. They've won 9 out of their last 11 games with him in uniform, propelling them to the second spot in the Western Conference standings. Based on the limited yet encouraging data from The Doncic–Austin Reaves–LeBron James unit, it's evident this trio isn't poised to decelerate anytime in the near future.

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