The Chicago Journal

Luka Doncic hits triple-double in Mavericks comeback win

Luka Doncic: The point guard for the Dallas Mavericks topped himself on Tuesday night to lead his team to a comeback win against the New York Knicks.

The game

Luka Doncic’s performance was essential to the Mavericks’ campaign this season.

He turned around a nine-point deficit in the final 26.8 seconds of regulation time, severely cutting the New York Knicks’ lead.

Doncic stepped up toward the end of the game, tying the score before completing their win.

The Mavericks’ point guard, like any other player, upped his tempo when the side needed him the most.

The tie

Luka Doncic stood for the free throw with 4.2 seconds remaining.

The Mavericks and Knicks were separated by three points.

Doncic purposely missed his second shot in the hopes that a second Maverick would get the rebound.

The ball eventually ended up in Doncic’s hands after it bounced off the ring and slipped off the Knicks.

He quickly moved for a close-range jump shot.

When the shot went in, he didn’t realize the cheers were coming from the Mavericks fans until he stood up after falling.

While the rest of the team seemed eager to celebrate and Luka Doncic was visibly ecstatic, everyone else decided to stay on defense as the clock ran.

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Finishing the game

As the game approached overtime, the Dallas Mavericks maintained their lead.

The Knicks were only able to make two free throws in the opening four minutes as the Mavericks forced overtime.

The Mavericks held off the Knicks with a five-point victory to complete the upset.

Luka Doncic scored seven of the Mavericks’ eleven points in overtime, giving him 60 points overall.

“I’m tired as hell,” said Doncic after the win. “I need a recovery beer.”

Records broken

Luka Doncic had a tremendous game against the Knicks and put up some impressive stats.

The point guard not only scored a career-high 60 points, but added 21 rebounds and 10 assists.

Doncic’s efforts have led to him becoming the youngest player in NBA history to ever register a triple-double of 60 points.

The Mavericks player set a new benchmark and a team scoring record.

Doncic’s performance

The remarkable 21-year career of Dirk Nowitzki was previously overseen by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

He was watching the Knicks game, where the next generation carried on Nowitzki’s legacy.

“We are watching greatness @luka7doncic,” he tweeted. “I’ve never seen anything like that ever.”

Luka Doncic became the second player in NBA history to record a triple-double of 60 points.

James Harden, who achieved a comparable feat with the Houston Rockets in 2018, established the record for the first 60-point, 10-rebound, 11-assist game.

In the past, only Wilt Chamberlain (who did it twice) and Elgin Baylor with a 20-board performance, along with six other players, were able to accomplish the rare 50-point triple-double.

But the icing on the cake goes beyond Doncic’s individual achievements.

NBA teams had a record of 0-13,884 during the previous 20 seasons when behind by more than nine points with 35 seconds or less left on the clock.

Read also: NBA report: Lonzo Ball’s knee issue remains a thorn in the Bulls side

Reaction

The Mavericks’ previous record of 53 points (established by Dirk Nowitzki in 2004)  was surpassed by Luka Doncic’s 60-point triple-double, which also set a new milestone for the team.

NBA players from the present and the past complimented the point guard on Twitter.

“It’ll be another statue in Dallas,” said Kevin Garnett. “Luka is like that!”

Chris Wood wrote, “@luka7doncic Im sending u a GOAT to yo farm my boy..60..great team W #MFFL.”

Theo Pinson lauded Doncic as one of the NBA’s top players this season in a tweet, writing:

“I don’t want to hear not 1 time that is AT LEAST top 3 in the MVP race all year!!!”

Paul Pierce offered his perspective by saying: “Luke is the best offensive player in the league I said offensive think about it.”

References:

Luka Doncic’s historic 60-point triple-double lifts Mavericks past Knicks in wild comeback

Mavericks star Luka Doncic posts historic triple-double in historic comeback

NBA players react to Luka Doncic’s historic 60-point triple-double

A New Kind of Basketball Emerges with Global Mixed Gender Basketball League (GMGB)

From one decade to another since its creation in 1891, basketball is undoubtedly one of the most influential sports in the world, continuously influencing the lives of both young people and adults. Basketball has inspired the dreams of many aspiring young athletes, given their purpose, and brought out the best in them. The world witnessed the awe-inspiring careers of legendary basketball icons like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Lebron James, and the late Kobe Bryant, and their lives have been unceasingly igniting the burning passion growing inside of many young athletes today. Just as times are constantly changing and evolving, so is basketball with the emergence of the Global Mixed Gender Basketball League (GMGB).

If anything, GMGB is poised to revolutionize basketball as it introduces a new way of playing it that is inclusive and fun. Established in 2015 by James Scott, the owner and CEO of the world’s first co-ed professional basketball league, GMGB has sought to unite both men and women athletes with exceptional skills in playing the game. Overall, there are seven existing teams in the league, each owned by different internationally known celebrities or entertainers. Interestingly, the players in the league are former professional basketball players in the NBA, WNBA, and the Harlem Globetrotters. They all agreed to be part of the league as they believe in Scott’s vision and what it can do for future generations. 

“The unique formula that we’ve developed for play is three women and two men on the court in the first quarter, followed by two women and three men in the second quarter, on each team. Each quarter it rotates. This, along with a few other minor changes in play, ensures an exciting and never-before-seen format, what we believe to be The Future of Basketball,” Scott explained.

There are bound to be a few raised eyebrows along the way, but Scott believes it is just a matter of time before basketball fans all over the world open themselves up to embracing new possibilities. By introducing GMGB, barriers and biases will be broken.

“There are no other professional basketball teams or leagues that have men and women playing together on the court at the same time. The vision of equality is evidenced not only in the players but in the coaches and referees as well. Everything is men and women. That coupled with the internationally known celebrity team owners and the outstanding halftime entertainment that they bring sets us apart from all the rest,” he added.

The world has witnessed a lot of role reversals for many decades now, from the basic home setting to business and politics, where women are boldly taking center stage. Seeing the same role reversals happen on a basketball court is quite life-changing and exciting, to say the least. Scott hopes to be able to one day effectively bridge the gap that has made gender a gauge in professional sports. 

Guided by the slogan “Equal Pay for Equal Play,” Scott intends to make GMGB a platform instigating genuine change that will benefit everyone who has a deep passion for basketball, regardless of their gender and status in life. While the league is a long way from making mixed gender basketball a normal thing in the sports industry, Scott is determined to see his plans come to fruition. 

Top 3 Promotions Paves the Way for an Active Lifestyle Through Basketball Tourneys

Like most things, technology has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it has introduced a plethora of practical and convenient solutions that have made millions of lives easier. On the other hand, it has contributed to the increase in a sedentary lifestyle. Taking heed of the adverse effects technological advances have on society, up-and-coming fitness powerhouse Top 3 Promotions strives to revive people’s waning enthusiasm over physical activities. 

Widely acknowledged for its unyielding advocacy of health and fitness, Top 3 Promotions stands as a platform where people can get active and fuel their love for basketball and fellowship. This revolutionary program has committed itself to come up with highly engaging and interesting ways to encourage more and more individuals to move their bodies and participate in physical activities. 

Having gained recognition for making an impact on the industry, Top 3 Promotions owes its success to its founder, John H. Atkinson. This visionary leader is an avid basketball fan who enjoys creating and hosting tournaments for the sport. He wanted to see others ignite their passion for sports and get physically active on the court again. As a result, he created his brainchild. 

In an interview, Atkinson shared that Top 3 Promotions is geared towards those who are passionate about basketball but do not have the time to dip their toes into playing the sport again. The program’s goal is to provide these people with the opportunity to remain active. It accomplishes its mission by bringing states together via the hardwood with competitive basketball and fellowship. It wants nothing more than to reach young adults one jumpshot at a time.

Headed by Atkinson, Top 3 Promotions is dedicated to facilitating a fierce environment that is still fun for the members and staff. Aside from being one of the foremost advocates of basketball, this veteran-owned and operated organization also proves to take an ethical stance by giving back to the community through affordable fitness and recreation. 

“In an age where our youth are more inclined to spend their day indoors playing video games,” John Atkinson said. “I want to show everyone it’s still fun to get out and be active. Let’s teach our youth the values of playing on a team and why competitive sports are good for motivating themselves to do better in both their personal and professional life. And for us adults, we still need to get out and be active,” he added.

Every now and then, one would hear about basketball tournaments being held in the local area. Despite not being a new concept, these events are being revolutionized by Top 3 Promotions in the most engaging and innovative way possible. The program proves to be more than a weekend event and goes the extra mile by covering the state to invite the best teams. Although its primary focus is on adults, it also takes effort in reaching out to the youth. 

In the coming years, Top 3 Promotions hopes to run tournaments in the lower forty-eight states. Determined to establish a reputable standing in the basketball realm, it aims to light a fire in people and remind them to make the most of their lives by staying active. 

Learn more about Top 3 Promotions by visiting its website or Facebook page. 

Cameron Mercadel, Fifteen-Year-Old Basketball Prodigy

No boy in California trains harder than the 15-year-old prodigy from Orange County, California, Cameron “Cam” Mercadel. Cam is a basketball influencer who has been playing the game since the age of three. The young athlete is an exceptional player on the court and a celebrated icon on Instagram, where he has over 200,000 followers. Cam Mercadel is doing all he can to fulfill his destiny of becoming the NBA’s next star player.

As a young basketball player, Cam is in a league of his own. His hustle, ball-handling skills, and understanding of the game are far superior to the average teen player. Cam has dedicated his life to the game. He trains anywhere from four to six hours per day, pushing himself past his limits to improve his dexterity, strength, endurance, and speed. Cam does all he can to prepare himself for life as a high school varsity team player.

Cam Mercadel recently starred in Whistle Sports’s documentary, No Days Off, a documentary series about juvenile athletes on their path to greatness. The episode has racked up half a million times on Youtube. In the episode, Cam showed off his astounding abilities and colossal drive to push himself. He also talked about where he plans to take his career in the future.

Cam impressed even the president of the network himself. Jason Malone said, “I happen to watch thousands of kids each year across many sports, and Cameron Mercadel is a unique talent with the dedicated drive and spirit required to help him excel beyond his imagination.”

Cam Mercadel was exposed to the sport at a young age. Both his mother and father are avid fans of the game, and both played in their college varsity teams. When they noticed Cam’s natural inclination for the sport, they quickly set up an environment where he could pursue this love further. Using their ten-foot-tall hoops at home, Cam’s father would train him to make 250 to 300 shots every day before school. By five years old, Cam wanted to begin playing in a club group. 

Cam’s hectic training schedule includes training four to six hours a day with his basketball coach. His regimen includes training with a boxing coach, a speed and agility coach, and a strength and agility coach for a holistic athletic experience. Despite his grueling daily practice schedule, he still manages to make time for his schoolwork.

Aside from his athletic pursuit, Cam is also passionate about his community. To help the hunger problem in his community, he started a foundation called Cam Shoot and Dribble for Hunger. Cam takes pride in helping people and inspiring them to pursue their dreams despite their hurdles.

Cam’s future plans include playing for a Power Five school. While basketball is his one true passion, he deeply values education and hopes to have both as he grows older. Cam aims to get into the college varsity league while working on his education and running his foundation. One of his biggest dreams is to get into the NBA big leagues. With the rate that he’s going, it won’t be surprising to hear Cam Mercadel being drafted into the prestigious association in the future.

Find out more about the basketball prodigy on his website and follow him on Instagram.

Montae Harris Celebrates Stories of Success in His New Podcast

Professional basketball player Montae Harris turns to podcasting to share inspiring and meaningful stories of success. Together with his guests who come from diverse backgrounds, he hopes to provide necessary guidance to the rising generation.

The first thing one notices about Montae Harris is his love for basketball. In an introductory video he recently uploaded on YouTube, he says, “Basketball brings the best about you: the competition, the challenges. Everything about basketball makes you a better person. It gives you that hunger to go out and get what you want in life.”

Montae, who is originally from Memphis, Tennessee, played collegiate basketball for Grace Christian University. After his four years in college, he went on to play his beloved sport professionally for the Basquet Benicario club in Spain. His basketball career was gaining momentum fast. Unfortunately, he got injured the following year.

The sudden interruption in his life gave Montae an opportunity to reevaluate his life. In particular, he reflected deeply on other pursuits he can channel his energy into besides basketball. From an idea that was initially planted in his mind by his mother and a friend, he decided to start his podcast.

What Does It Take? is the name of Montae’s podcast. This striking question also provides the main goal and the direction for the discussions in each episode. With the question “What does it take?” Montae inquires his guests, his audience, and himself about what it takes to be successful and create a platform for oneself. Ultimately, his purpose is to give back and create an avenue through which his guests can share stories of success to inspire those who need it.

His podcast covers a wide range of topics, including sports, politics, activism, music, and many more. Montae hopes for everyone in his podcast to open up and freely share their stories. Montae’s greatest strength as a podcaster is his ability to initiate and maintain real conversations. The discussions on his show are more than interviews; they are, in fact, very organic.  

In the first episode of What Does It Take?, for example, Montae converses naturally with professional coach Scotty Mason. They begin with a discussion on police brutality, systemic racism, and the recent protests. Montae was masterful in navigating such a heavy dialogue with a tone that was more casual and relatable. Regardless of the specific subject of the conversation, he can highlight the universality of the human struggle and experience. Listeners will find the honesty refreshing and engaging. His audience will find hope and inspiration from hearing about the collective goodness of the human family.

Looking back on how he has established his brand, Montae recognizes the lifelong journey that he is on. He shares that he grew up looking for answers on how to be successful. He knows that many can benefit from the guidance that his podcast offers. He sees it as a way to help others avoid the mistakes that he committed.

Listen to more meaningful stories of success by subscribing to Montae’s podcast, What Does It Take?, on Youtube. Learn more about Montae Harris by following him on Instagram.