Luka’s first game against the Mavs was must-see TV, but before we get into all that, we’ve got something even bigger brewing… ☕

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Today’s Lineup

🎉 Happy birthday to Craig Porter Jr., Steve Blake, and Enjoyers Lawrence and Collin! 🎉

Game Recaps

Luka’s passing clinic, LeBron’s big 4th lead Lakers over Mavs 107-99

In his first game back against the team that traded him out of the blue, nobody would have blamed Luka Doncic (19 PTS, 12 AST) if he decided to shoot his heart out.

Instead, he showed his former Mavericks teammates exactly what they’re missing out on, carving up Dallas’ defense with the deftest of touch. Whether it was lobbing it over three defenders to LeBron James (27 PTS) for an easy dunk or finding Austin Reaves (20 PTS) with a no-look over-the-shoulder dime, Luka's playmaking was downright telekinetic at times.

And it needed to be, because the Mavs came to play. Luka’s former backcourt partner Kyrie Irving (35 PTS) showed once again why he's one of the game’s craftiest scorers ever, and with a few timely Klay Thompson (22 PTS) triples, it really seemed like Dallas was primed to play spoiler.

But in the end, the King took over. LeBron dropped 16 PTS in the 4Q to keep the plucky Mavs just out of reach. Point, Luka! 👑

With just under four minutes to go, the Thunder had this one in the bag. Up 16, coasting through dominant performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (39 PTS, 8 AST) and Jalen Williams (27 PTS), and locking Anthony Edwards (15 PTS) up—what could possibly go wrong?

Turns out, everything. Minnesota cranked up the defensive pressure, turned every stop into a quick bucket, and quickly vanished OKC's comfortable lead into thin air. Overtime arrived in a flash, and the Wolves took full advantage—getting to the line at will before Ant came through with a monster block on SGA to ice the game, proving that even when his shot isn’t falling, he can still be that guy.

And huge props to Jaden McDaniels (27 PTS), who delivered some nasty shot-making down the stretch. And how about the rookie? Terrence Shannon Jr. (17 PTS, 10 REB) played the best game of his young career, making clutch plays when Minny needed them most.

It's been a rollercoaster season for the Wolves so far, but this might just be the signature win they needed to get back on track.

Elsewhere around the NBA…

• Ja Morant (29 PTS) had a rough shooting night while everyone around him on both teams caught fire, but he came through when it mattered most and dropped 17 in the 4th quarter and OT to lead the Grizzlies to a wild 151-148 win over the Suns.

• The question on every NBA fan’s mind: can anyone stop Ty Jerome (20 PTS)? The former Virginia star has scored 20+ in three straight games, including the Cavs’ 122-82 demolition of the Magic last night.

• Nikola Jokic (18 PTS, 19 AST) vs. Tyrese Haliburton (19 PTS, 15 AST) was a passing clinic for the ages, but it was the Joker who got the last laugh. Tying his career high in dimes, Jokic orchestrated the Nuggets' offense like a symphony conductor, leading Denver to a 125-116 win after a strong finish.

• The Great Barrier Thief strikes again! Dyson Daniels (10 PTS, 11 REB) put together another defensive masterpiece, suffocating Tyler Herro (4/19 FG) and swiping a ridiculous 7 steals. His defensive dominance powered the Hawks to a gritty 98-86 win over the Heat.

• Okay Chicago, we see you! The Bulls’ offense exploded in one of their best performances this season, lighting up Philly for 142 points in a wire-to-wire blowout. Kevin Huerter (7 3PM) couldn’t miss as the Bulls ran circles around the Sixers' defense in a 142-110 statement win.

• For the first time in over a decade, the Detroit Pistons have won 7 in a row! Led by Cade Cunningham (32 PTS, 7 AST) and a relentless defensive effort, the Pistons shut down the Clippers late to secure a 106-97 home win.

• The phrase “he don’t miss” has never felt more accurate when watching Zach LaVine (42 PTS, 103.3 TS%) on the Kings. Sacramento’s newest star put on an absolutely flamethrowing performance against Charlotte, leading the Kings to a dominant 130-88 win. Did you even know that true shooting percentage could go over 100?

Hoops History Spotlight

He’s now one of basketball’s most beloved figures, but it can be easy to forget that Miami LeBron James was, at times, arguably the most hated player the sport had ever seen. That hatred reached a peak in an animosity-filled game between Cleveland and Miami that was just as iconic as Luka’s game against Dallas last night.

In 2010, James made what would forever be known as “The Decision”, choosing to team up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat and leaving his hometown Cavs behind in the process. Forming a superteam wasn’t completely unheard of back then, but the fact that it materialized through free agency and was capped off by an infamous ESPN interview rubbed many people the wrong way, especially the people of Cleveland. 

It all came to a head on December 2nd, 2010, when the Heat traveled to Quicken Loans Arena for a regular season game against the Cavs. For LeBron, there was no tribute video or round of applause: just an angry crowd ready to unleash a cacophony of boos all night long. In fact, the arena only served drinks in paper cups because they were so worried fans would try to throw things at him!

Many players would have faltered under the weight of such a hostile crowd—especially in their hometown—but LeBron came out and dominated from the opening tip. Feeling his jumper and attacking the rack for multiple and-ones in transition, the King cruised to a 38-point night and a 118-90 Miami win.

Three in the Key

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Signing Off

Thanks for reading, y’all! As always, we appreciate you rocking with us. And hey, while you’re here… BIGFACE X Enjoy Basketball. Saturday. Be ready. ☕💙

Talk soon,

-Spencer Poole