For Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic , one of the NBA's best generational young talents, it doesn't take long to produce extraordinary and unforgettable plays that would make a spectacular highlight reel.
During his seven years with the Dallas Mavericks , Doncic reached the finals, earned five All-Star selections, was named to five All-NBA First Teams, and won a scoring title. Each accolade was a result of a productive season packed with unforgettable highlights.
On the latest episode of Hot Ones, host Sean Evans asked Doncic to recall the two favorite basketball plays in his young career that he would reminisce about when he reaches 50 years old.
"Probably that Western Conference Finals game-winner, the 3 against Minnesota, I think that one was one of my favorites," Luka said . "And the Clippers, I think it was 2020 in the bubble, that game-winner, too. It was my first playoff series, so I would say those two."
The first of many
Coming off his first All-Star and All-NBA First team selections, Doncic made his first career playoff appearance in the 2020 Orlando Bubble , his second NBA season.
The Mavs were about to face a veteran Los Angeles Clippers team led by Kawhi Leonard in the first round, and they didn't know what was coming. They found themselves staring down a 2-1 hole as Doncic tried to play through a nagging left ankle injury he sustained in the game before.
But it didn't matter for Doncic – he wanted to win. So, down by two in OT with 3.5 left to go in Game 4, Doncic got the ball, made his defender dance, and hit his signature step-back 3-pointer.
"When I see the whole team running towards me, that was something special," Doncic said in the postgame presser. "One of the best feelings I've ever had as a player."
Although Dallas eventually lost in six, that playoff series was a sign that their belief in Doncic was paying off. It would be the first of many special playoff moments with Luka Magic.
When Doncic tamed the Wolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves barged into the 2023-2024 Western Conference finals with a chip on their shoulder after dethroning the then-defending champions, the Denver Nuggets . However, Doncic, alongside his veteran backcourt partner Kyrie Irving , showed them who truly owned the West as they tamed the Wolves as early as Game 2.
With the Mavs trailing by two with less than 12 seconds to go in the fourth period, Doncic received the inbounds pass. Center Dereck Lively II set the perfect screen and delivered the 7'1" Rudy Gobert to Doncic on a silver platter.
From there, Luka went to work and put the three-time Defensive Player of the Year on skates, before stepping back to his right and drilling the game-winning triple over Gobert with 3.0 seconds left on the clock.
After scorching Gobert's defense , Doncic ran back screaming and seemed to be mouthing some colorful words to the French center. Dallas would eventually complete the gentleman sweep of Minnesota and reach the finals, where they fell to the Boston Celtics .
With these shots, Doncic created iconic moments he and Dallas fans will forever cherish.
Now, entering his second year as a Laker, Doncic will create more special highlights. And given how he was traded, he will ensure some of these will be against the Mavericks – and that they will never forget.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

