Luka Doncic has the highlight reel of an NBA Rookie of the Year

Doncic lit the Rockets up on Wednesday. If you had low expectations, it’s time to raise them.

Here’s Luka Doncic creating space before hitting a contested side-step corner three over James Harden on Wednesday night.

Here’s Doncic cashing out on the exact same shot from basically the exact same place on the very next play, this time against a more rugged Rockets defender in James Ennis III.

That’s the kind of night it was for the Mavericks’ rookie and Slovenian savior. Doncic finished with 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field and 3-of-7 shooting from three. Each basket looked progressively prettier. He even hit a shot from nearly half court, threw down a dunk in traffic, and had a beautiful driving layup that was only missing some jelly on the side.

Doncic led the Mavericks to a 128-108 win over the Rockets, who have their own problems to tend to this season. Dallas had a few issues to address entering the summer. Their first-round draft pick answered many of them.

Luka Doncic is the real deal

I was not on the Luka Doncic bandwagon entering the NBA Draft. I knew he could hoop. I knew he’d be good. But did I think he would be great? Eh.

Now, I’m certain he’s going to be a star. And the rest of the world is realizing it, too.

Doncic is averaging 19 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. He’s attempting more threes and making them at a higher clip than Trae Young, is averaging nearly as many rebounds as Marvin Bagley III, and is outscoring DeAndre Ayton. Even in his own draft class, he’s in a class of his own.

Doncic isn’t the most superior athlete, but he has a “last step” that sets him apart. He scores in unconventional ways. His games have become must-see TV.

Doncic has powered the Mavericks to an incredible 10-9 start. If the playoffs began today, Dallas would be the No. 8 seed. If the playoffs also began today, Doncic is the runaway favorite for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.

The world has been put on notice. Luka Doncic isn’t coming anymore.

He’s here.