"Force of nature" - NBA fans in awe after red-hot Luka Doncic drops 20 points with time to go in first quarter

Dallas Mavericks superstar guard Luka Doncic erupted for 20 points during the first quarter of Thursday's Game 5 Western Conference finals clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His early dominance left NBA fans in awe, with many proclaiming him an all-time great.

Doncic had his worst game of the West finals during Tuesday's Game 4 showdown, tallying a series-low 28 points on just 7-for-21 (33.3%) shooting. Meanwhile, with a chance to close out Minnesota 4-0 at home, Dallas suffered its first loss of the series, falling 105-100.

However, up 3-1 with another chance to close out the Timberwolves on the road in Game 5, Doncic came out with guns blazing. He tallied 20 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and four 3-pointers on 8-for-11 (72.7%) shooting in the first quarter alone. Meanwhile, Dallas won the quarter 35-19, with Doncic outscoring Minnesota 20-19 himself.

The five-time All-Star hit the 20-point mark with 2:23 remaining in the period, leaving fans on X/Twitter in disbelief.

"Just insane how good he is," @AlGoody421 said.

"LUKA IS A FORCE OF NATURE," @tboe3D said.

"Incoming 50-ball," @BelieverMindset said.

Meanwhile, many crowned Luka Doncic the NBA's top player, with some touching on his chances of one day entering the GOAT conversation.

"I think it’s time we stop letting the media determine who the face of the league is because we’re all witnessing who is clearly the best player in the league," @BeSmoothShawn said.

"The greatest right now wants the ring this year. His heart is on fire!" @13isLucky13 said.

"First player since LeBron [James] to have a chance of entering the GOAT debate," @papyfaye1 said.

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Luka Doncic vowed to bring better energy in Game 5 before dominant first-quarter performance

While Luka Doncic had a rare off shooting night in Game 4, he didn't make any excuses or appear defeated postgame. Instead, he took responsibility for his lack of energy, highlighting Dallas' need to lock in for Game 5.

“It’s fine, I think that games on me. I just didn’t give enough energy," Doncic said. "So, we got to do better. They won one game. We just got to focus on the next one.”

Doncic certainly brought additional energy in his sensational 20-point Game 5 first-quarter performance, adding to his extensive playoff resume.

Over the series' first four contests, he averaged a series-high 31.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 2.3 steals and 4.3 3-pointers per game on 43.3% shooting.

If Doncic continues his hot shooting in Game 5, he will likely extend his series scoring average with ease. Likewise, he should continue padding his career playoff scoring average of 31.0 ppg, second all-time behind Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan (33.4 ppg).

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