West Notes: Mavs, Luka Doncic, Clippers, James Harden, Thunder

Mavericks

Star guard Luka Doncic didn’t just erupt for a franchise-record 73 points in Friday’s road win over the Hawks. He also grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds and passed for a team-high seven assists.

“The three assists are what he’s probably thinking about in the locker room to have a triple-double,” coach Jason Kidd told reporters.

Doncic joined Wilt Chamberlain and David Thompson as players to have scored 73 points.

“Those names are special,” Doncic said. “It’s unbelievable.”

• Doncic scored 41 points in the first half to set the Mavs’ record for points in any half. He went 17-of-22 from the field, including 6-of-9 shooting on 3-pointers — in the half.

Clippers

Guard James Harden recorded his first triple-double since landing with the Clippers on Nov. 1, finishing Friday’s road win over the Raptors with 22 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds.

“James has been great,” coach Tyronn Lue said. “He keeps everybody happy. It takes a lot of grind off of (Paul George) and (Kawhi Leonard), acquiring James. It’s huge for us.”

Harden now has 75 career triple-doubles overall. 

• The Clippers have won 12 of 14, but there is still work to be done, Leonard suggested. “We still want to get better,” he said. “We’re not where we want to be.”
• Leonard is 8-0 against the Raptors since leaving the franchise after the 2019 championship season. “Everybody knows what I did here and how special that year was,” he said. “They’re very thankful for it. Every time I come I get good praise.”

Thunder

Not surprisingly, guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was voted a Western Conference starter for the All-Star Game.

“It’s an honor, it’s a blessing,” he said. “Obviously, there’s so many talented players in the NBA, so many talented guards, especially in the West. To be voted first by my peers, who do the same job as me, is a really good feeling.”

• Coach Mark Daigneault praised SGA’s consistency, leading the team night in and night out. “He does it inside the team,” Daigneault said. “His success also impacts the team and somehow creates space for other guys to elevate and improve and other guys to rock out a little bit. He’s able to balance high ambition and high production with creating the level of space he does for the rest of the team. That, to me, is the most impressive thing. He’s a great player. ”