Mavs Step Back: Luka Doncic on Historic 73 Points on Anniversary of Kobe Bryant Death - 'Unbelievable ... I Feel Special'

Luka Doncic joined elite company on Friday night when he scored 73 points to help the Dallas Mavericks defeat the Atlanta Hawks, and our Mavs Step Back Podcast reacted to the historic night immediately following the game.

The NBA world was lit on fire during Friday night's matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Atlanta Hawks. Not only was the game an exciting, high-scoring affair with Dallas pulling out a 148-143 win, but Luka Doncic tied for fourth-place on the league's all-time single-game scoring list by pouring in 73 points on an efficient 25-33 shooting from the field.

On the latest episode of our Mavs Step Back Podcast, we recap Doncic's historic night, which was the most points scored in a game since Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant put up 81 points in 2006. Bryant and Wilt Chamberlain are the only two players in league history to score more points than Doncic in a single game.

And as it happens ... Bryant tragically passed away on January 26, 2020. Luka scored a career-high 73 points on January 26, 2024 - the four-year anniversary of Kobe's passing.

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

Given that the Mavs have to play the Sacramento Kings on a second night of a back-to-back, Doncic doesn't have much time to celebrate his monumental achievement, but he feels "special" having his name mentioned among some of the greatest to ever pick up a basketball.

"We have less than 24 hours until the next game, so I have to recover," Doncic said. "Those names are special. It's unbelievable. I feel special to be in that conversation with those names."

‘I Was Just Going!’ Wilt! Kobe! Luka! Doncic’s 73 Points Leads Mavs to Historic Win

Believe it or not, there were some other key Mavs contributions on Friday, as Josh Green hit several big corner threes, as well as a thunderous reverse jam on the baseline en route to 21 points on 8-12 shooting, inducing 4-5 from deep. Rookie center Dereck Lively II also played a big role, putting up nine points, 11 rebounds, four assists and four blocks while being a team-best +16 on the night.

You can watch the entire episode below, and be sure to subscribe and leave your takes in the video comments! We want to hear from you!