Talking about great individual performances or incredible runs of form almost feels redundant when it comes to Luka Doncic. The Slovenian has set such high standards that it is difficult to find new ways to describe his brilliance without sounding exaggerated. But his start to the season might force us to do just that. Doncic has opened the 2026-27 campaign with performances and statistics that would be hard to believe if we weren’t watching them unfold.
The Toronto Raptors were his latest victims, as Doncic scored 45 points to lead the Lakers to a 131-125 victory. And as always with Doncic, it was not just about the numbers, but how he achieved them. The guard shot efficiently from the field despite taking several heavily contested three-pointers, some from well beyond the arc. He finished 8-for-12 from three-point range, was perfect from the free-throw line (13-for-13) and orchestrated the Lakers’ offence, creating opportunities both with and without the ball.
As if that were not enough, he also made his presence felt on defence. In fact, he did something no player in NBA history had managed before.
A performance never seen before
Luka Doncic started the game with surprising intensity on defence, drawing two offensive fouls in the opening minutes and remaining alert to passing lanes and opportunities to force turnovers. Although his defensive intensity dropped as the game progressed, he continued to make important plays at that end of the court, traditionally considered the weakest part of his game. And when that defensive effort is combined with his exceptional offensive talent, remarkable things can happen.
Never before in NBA history had a player recorded at least 15 rebounds, five assists, five steals and five three-pointers in a single game. Doncic not only reached those marks against Toronto but surpassed some of them comfortably. Alongside his 45 points, the Slovenian recorded 15 rebounds, five steals, six assists and eight three-pointers.
But perhaps the most impressive thing is that this was far from a one-off performance.
LUKA DONฤIฤ JUST RECORDED A STATLINE THE NBA HASN’T SEEN BEFORE ๐จ ๐ฎโ๐จ 45 PTS ๐ฎโ๐จ 15 REB ๐ฎโ๐จ 6 AST ๐ฎโ๐จ 5 STL ๐ฎโ๐จ 8 3PM ๐ฎโ๐จ LAL W Donฤiฤ is the first player in NBA history to reach 15+ REB, 5+ AST, 5+ STL, and 5+ 3PM in a game… and he also scored 45 PTS! https://t.co/t4iWALNBO3
— NBA (@NBA) November 2, 2026
Doncic’s start to the season has been extraordinary. His performance against Toronto was his third game with at least 40 points in just six appearances. He is also shooting a career-best 43.2 per cent from three-point range, while his scoring output is almost unmatched in NBA history.
With 226 points in six games, an average of 37.7 per game, Doncic has made one of the most prolific starts to a season the league has ever seen. He is only the third player since 1960 to score more than 225 points through his first six games of a campaign, joining an exclusive group of NBA greats.
That is undoubtedly great news for the Lakers. However, their growing reliance on Doncic to produce such extraordinary performances could also become a concern for JJ Redick’s side.
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