Doncic scores 41 points in 1st half against Hawks to set Mavericks' record for points in a half

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) grabs a rebopund from Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

ATLANTA (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 41 points in the first half against Atlanta on Friday night to set a franchise record for points in any half.

Doncic scored 23 points in the second quarter after opening with 18 points in the first.

The second-quarter outburst placed Doncic, who averages 33.6 points, on pace to challenge his career high of 60 points.

Doncic made 17 of 22 shots from the field, including 6 of 9 3-pointers, in the half.

The Mavericks’ previous high mark for points in a half was 34 by Dirk Nowitzki in the second half against Utah on Nov. 3, 2009.

Doncic’s 41-point half is the 15th half with 40 or more points in the NBA’s last 25 years. It came just four days after Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns scored 44 points in the first half of a loss to Charlotte.

Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) loses the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

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