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With 21 points, 11 rebounds and 10assists, Luka Doncic etched his name in the history books Monday afternoon becoming the second youngest player in NBA history to record a triple double, trailing just Philadelphia 76ers’ Markelle Fultz who recorded a triple double in April last season. The Mavericks needed every ounce of effort against the Bucks on Monday.
Two of the five youngest players ever with a triple-double are on the Mavericks: Luka Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr. (20 years, 34 days).
— Bobby Karalla (@bobbykaralla) January 21, 2019
Doncic knocked on the door of a triple double earlier this season, coming up a rebound short against the New Orleans Pelicans December 26, which would have given him the accomplishment at 19 years and 301 days old. On multiple occasions, including just 10 days ago against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the all-around threat has come up only a few rebounds or assists shy, so it was only a matter of time before Doncic achieved the feat.
The Slovenian sensation joins only Dennis Smith Jr. and Jason Kidd as Maverick rookies to record triple doubles, with Doncic being the youngest, and Kidd recording four total in his rookie campaign.
After an unprecedented run in the EuroLeague, Doncic is in the midst of a potentially historic rookie season. If his per game averages hold, he’ll join only Oscar Robertson as rookies to average 20.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists.
It’s impossible to predict the future and how Doncic’s career unfolds, but halfway through the season, the Mavericks’ calculated gamble to trade up for the third overall pick has paid dividends.