The best playoff debut ever?
In a way. Luka Doncic would surely have preferred a 1-0 first-round series lead on the LA Clippers over an individual accomplishment.
Instead, the Slovenian sensation is staring at that deficit despite his 42 points in Game 1 — the highest-scoring game ever by an NBA player in his playoff debut. The second-year playmaker shot 13-for-21 from the field and 14-for-15 from the free-throw line while adding seven rebounds and nine assists to his first postseason impression.
The single-game scoring list Doncic now tops is a combination of all-time legends and ABA transfers in the mid-1970s. None of them broke the 40-point threshold Doncic crossed on Monday.
| Rank | Player | Points | Team (vs. opponent) | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Luka Doncic | 42 | Mavericks (vs. Clippers) | Aug. 17, 2020 |
| 2nd | John Williamson* | 38 | Nets (vs. 76ers) | April 11, 1979 |
| 3rd | George Mikan | 37 | Lakers (vs. Chicago Stags) | March 23, 1949 |
| T-4th | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 36 | Bucks (vs. 76ers) | March 25, 1970 |
| T-4th | Gary Brokaw | 36 | Bucks (vs. Pistons) | April 13, 1976 |
| T-4th | Julius Erving* | 36 | 76ers (vs. Celtics) | April 17, 1977 |
| T-4th | Derrick Rose | 36 | Bulls (vs. Celtics) | April 18, 2009 |
| * = played in ABA playoffs prior to NBA playoff debut | ||||
Doncic’s performance marks the beginning of a new era for the Mavericks, who are making their first playoff appearance without franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki since 1990.
Nowitzki, a future lock for the Hall of Fame, put up 20 points and 12 rebounds in his playoff debut, a two-point loss to Utah in 2001.
