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Mavericks' Rick Carlisle on Luka Doncic's Buzzer-Beater: 'We Had Houdini'

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIApril 15, 2021

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 14: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 14, 2021 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic took an inbound pass, split two defenders and launched a running one-handed three-pointer within 1.8 seconds to give his team a 114-113 road win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday:

NBA @NBA

🚨 MAGICAL LUKA GAME-WINNER! 🚨<br><br>Luka Doncic beats the trap, puts up the floater from behind the arc and knocks down the #TissotBuzzerBeater to lift the @dallasmavs! #ThisIsYourTime pic.twitter.com/eOqyEGMg7T

Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle spoke with reporters afterward about Doncic's tremendous effort.

"This is one of those joyous nights where we escaped," Carlisle said, per ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "We had Houdini. He got us out of here alive."

Doncic's has a knack for mind-bending shots, like this logic-defying pregame jumper on Monday:

NBA @NBA

Some pregame Luka magic ahead of @dallasmavs action at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/8nJcuGTZRE

Carlisle mentioned that he's lost a good deal of money after emerging on the wrong end of bets with Doncic.

"I can't tell you how many thousands of dollars I've lost to him on half-court shots," Carlisle said, per Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News.

"One time in Mexico City, our second year, I paid him off in pesos because I was so pissed about it. I don't bet him anymore."

Doncic's shot Wednesday should likely have some staying power in future highlight reels, with Carlisle noting its potential longevity.

"Luka made one of the signature, special shots that you're going to see for a long time," Carlisle said.

The best part of the shot may be something Doncic revealed postgame, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.

Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon

Luka Doncic says he doesn’t think he even got a look at the rim before he let go of his game-winner. “I was really surprised when it went in. Those are the best feelings.”

Doncic's 29 points led all scorers in the one-point win, which allowed the Mavs to improve to 30-24. They'll return to the court Friday at home against the New York Knicks.