73 Points in 2024: A Mavericks Franchise Record

On January 26, 2024, at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, Luka Dončić authored a historic night. Against the franchise that drafted and traded him, he went 25-of-33 for 73 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists, leading Dallas to a 148-143 win.

73 is the Mavericks’ franchise record and tied for fourth-highest in NBA history — behind Chamberlain’s 100 and 78, and alongside Bryant’s 81 and David Thompson’s 73. Dončić joined the rare 70-point club.

That game he used every weapon: step-backs, drives, elbow pull-ups, pick-and-roll mismatches. Atlanta’s defense was helpless — switches and rim protection alike undone. After trailing in the third, his fourth-quarter surge flipped it.

The opponent made it theatrical. Drafted third by Atlanta in 2018, then dealt to Dallas — six years later he set Dallas’ record on Atlanta’s floor, a destined reply. He said flatly: "I just wanted to win; the points came." That ease is stardom.

The 73-night cemented his scoring-title firepower. That season he averaged 33.9 to win his first scoring crown while posting 9+9 — proving he can be both creator and top scorer.

At 24, with his durability, higher single-game marks are plausible. Whatever the ceiling, "73" is a bright coordinate on his road to greatness.

Related Reading

• The 2018 No. 3 Pick: Dončić and the Trae Young Blockbuster
• Luka Dončić: The European Prodigy’s Path to NBA Greatness
• 2024 Western Finals: Dallas Returns to the Finals After 13 Years
• The Mavericks’ Franchise GOAT: Scoring, Rebounds and the Face of Loyalty
• Lead-Guard Core and Triple-Double Machine: The All-Around Beast