NBA

Doncic’s ridiculous assist

Sometimes it seems Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic defies the laws of physics, especially when he pulls off passes like this one against the Pacers.

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a much-needed win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, 127-104. Luka Doncic, Jaden Hardy, and JaVale McGee got tired of losing and went out and did something about it, snapping their four-game losing streak with dominant performances.

Doncic’s “crazy” pass

There is a lot to say about Monday’s game for the desperate Mavs, but it was Luka Doncic’s assist in the 3rd quarter that was the highlight of the night. It was not just any pass…it seemed to defy the laws of physics. Doncic was backed into a corner with two Pacers on top of him and yet, he found a way. Rookie Jaden Hardy was wide open on the corner across from him and Doncic took the ball around the two Pacers players to toss a bullet pass clean across the court to Hardy, who took it in for three to put the Mavs up 86-69 before the fourth quarter. Check it out:

“When I saw the repetition, I don’t really know how I did it,” said Doncic. “It was a difficult situation. Probably one of the best passes I’ve made, for me. I’m just glad it went through.”

Yes, I’d say that was probably the best pass of the year, period. But there’s a reason the term “Luka magic” came about. Everyone who saw that pass was in awe. Even Hardy, who caught the pass, couldn’t believe it.

That pass was crazy. I didn’t think he saw me at first,” Hardy said. “Then, when he saw me, I didn’t think he was going to be able to get it to me. But he did.”

Even LeBron James could not believe his eyes.

That’s what he does. He’s one of the best passers in the league,” said head coach Jason Kidd. “He can find guys. He’s strong enough. I don’t know if anybody else can make that pass. Again, he can make passes most guys can’t.”

Doncic finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. And so the Mavs pulled off their first win since March 17 and pulled their record up to 37-39.

“I think on the defensive end we were locked in, then we shared the ball,” said Doncic. “So it was a great experience for us today.”