Jason Kidd says it is “special” to be mentioning Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic in the same conversations as greats Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan after a seventh straight 30-point game to start the season.
Only on three occasions has a player achieved such a feat, with Chamberlain accounting for two of those – the last of which was in 1962-63. The only other player to have accomplished it was Jack Twyman.
The legendary Michael Jordan was the last player to do six games with 30 points at the start of the season back in the 1986-87 campaign.
Doncic put up 33 points and 11 assists as the Mavs defeated the Utah Jazz 103-100 to move to 4-3 for the season and head coach Kidd waxed lyrical about his go-to man.
“I think it’s special when you talk about M.J. and Wilt,” Kidd said.
“It’s rare air. We get to see that on a nightly basis, so that’s pretty cool. A 23-year-old kid that’s at this level.
“It just shows the focus that he has. He’s carrying the team and putting the team in position to win.”
For his part, Doncic is focused on helping the team succeed rather than celebrating his brilliant streak.
“I don’t know. I’m trying to win games,” Doncic said.
“The player that scores more, you’re going to win the game. I think today was one of the best games that I’ve played. Not forcing a lot. Sharing the ball.
“I always hear Wilt Chamberlain, so he’s always there. It’s great. I just wished to play in the NBA. This is really a dream for me. Couldn’t be happier just to play basketball, to do my job, and that’s it.”