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Luka: Hitting game-winner was one of my 'best feelings' ever as player

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Luka Doncic produced a legendary postseason performance for the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday while battling through a sprained left ankle, becoming the first player in NBA playoff history to finish with 43 points, 17 boards, and 13 assists.

The most memorable moment of Doncic's outing came when the Mavericks needed him most. The second-year star connected on a game-winning step-back 3-pointer to help Dallas overcome a 21-point deficit and stun the Los Angeles Clippers with a 135-133 overtime victory in Game 4.

Doncic reflected on the surreal scene that followed his epic shot.

"When the ball goes in, when I see the whole team running towards me, that was something special," he said postgame. "One of the best feelings I've ever had as a player."

"This morning I wasn't feeling very good, but as soon as I stepped on the court I knew I could go," Doncic said when asked about his injury. "My teammates helped me a lot. Yesterday, the staff, the people you don't hear their names, they did an amazing job with me. They were with me the whole day, and that's the result we get."

The 21-year-old's game-winner put him in some incredibly exclusive company.

Doncic joined Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan, becoming the only other player to finish off a 40-point playoff performance with a buzzer-beater while his team was trailing, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Jordan's buzzer-beater came against Craig Ehlo and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1989, and it's most commonly remembered as "The Shot."

Further, Doncic became the youngest player to record a postseason 40-point triple-double, according to ESPN's Maria Taylor. He's also now registered two triple-doubles in only four career playoff games.

A pivotal Game 5 between the Clippers and Mavericks is set for Tuesday. The series is tied at two games apiece.

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