Mavericks' Luka Doncic Calls 73-Point Game on Anniversary of Kobe Bryant's Death 'Special'

Doncic had some touching thoughts on Bryant after his 73-point game.

Kobe Bryant would have been proud of Luka Doncic. 

Doncic channeled his inner Bryant in the Dallas Mavericks‘ 148–143 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, as he exploded for a career-high 73 points. That tied for the fourth-highest scoring output in NBA history, just days after Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid poured in 70 points. 

Not only was Doncic's effort incredible, but it also occurred on the four-year anniversary of Bryant's tragic death, something that was not lost on the Mavericks star. 

Speaking to reporters after the game, Doncic said it was “very special” to have a performance like that on the day the NBA was celebrating Bryant’s life, per Landon Thomas of Mavs Fans For Life on X, formerly Twitter. 

Kobe Bryant tragically passed away on January 26, 2020.

Luka Dončić scored a career-high 73 points on January 26, 2024.

Dončić: “It’s very special, we all love Kobe man… it’s special, on the same day, obviously I wish he was here.”

His profile photo and header is still Kobe. pic.twitter.com/lUXvvpteg3

— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) January 27, 2024

“It’s amazing, man; it’s very special. We all love Kobe, it was a big tragedy,” Doncic said. “Can’t believe it’s been four years already. It’s special to be on the same day. Obviously, I wish he was here.”

Very touching from Doncic—and fitting that he scored the most points in a game since Bryant's 81-point outburst in 2006. It's hard to think of a better basketball tribute to Bryant than going out and replicating what he did best on the court: scoring. 

Friday night will be one to remember for Doncic, for multiple reasons.