Luka Doncic was compared to Dirk Nowitzki by Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd after netting a buzzer-beating three-pointer in Saturday’s win over the Boston Celtics.
The 22-year-old finished with 33 points as the Mavericks edged out the Celtics 107-104 to move to 6-3 for the season and climb into third in the Western Conference.
With his latest last-gasp heroics, Doncic matched German legend Nowitzki for the most game-winning buzzer-beaters in Dallas’ history with three.
Kidd featured in the same side as Nowitzki in his playing days and is enjoying seeing Doncic – widely regarded as Nowitzki’s successor – continue to blossom.
“I played with a player like that before here; everybody knows the ball’s going to 41 and he delivers,” Kidd said.
“I think everyone knew the ball was going to 77 and he delivered.
“Luka did what he’s done in the past by getting a shot off. He’s done it so many times. It’s a beautiful thing to watch in person.”
The Mavericks have now won back-to-back games and return to action on Monday against the New Orleans Pelicans.