Top Performances from Feb. 23: Luka Dončić shines for Lakers as 10-game Sunday approaches

Luka on his first lob to LeBron:

“Next time, he’s gonna throw it.”

5 STORIES IN TODAY’S EDITION

Feb. 23, 2025

Saturday Showtime: Luka dazzles against Denver, a buzzer-beating dub & more

Knicks at Celtics: Can New York earn a signature win against the defending champs? (1 ET, ABC)

Mavs at Warriors: Klay returns to the Bay Part II, with a new star in the mix (3:30 ET, ABC)

ESPN Doubleheader: 5 elite bucket-getters, 5 distinct styles, same inevitable result

LP Spotlight: Can the Pistons break a decade-long drought? Plus, more stars duel

BUT FIRST … ⏰

Kick back, relax and enjoy the show…

ABC Matinee: Amid a 9-2 stretch and a current 4-game win streak, the C’s host the Knicks at TD Garden (1 ET), before Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and the Mavs visit Steph Curry and the Warriors (3:30 ET).

ESPN Doubleheader: Tonight, the NBA’s top offenses duel as the Grizzlies face the East-leading Cavs (7 ET). Then, Ant and the Wolves host SGA and the West-leading Thunder (9:30 ET).

1. HOLLYWOOD LUKA, CLAXTON CALLS GAME & 3 MORE WEST WINS

Three weeks ago, Luka Dončić was traded to the Lakers in a deal that sent shockwaves throughout the NBA.

In his first three outings in Purple & Gold, Dončić – who boasts the third-highest scoring average of all-time – averaged 14.7 ppg, as he got going with his new squad.

On Saturday, he eclipsed that mark before the 2nd quarter.

Lakers 123, Nuggets 100: In a masterful showing, Luka poured in 16 points in the opening frame on his way to a game-high 32, while adding 10 boards and 7 dimes in a wire-to-wire win over Nikola Jokić (12 pts, 13 reb, 10 ast) and Denver, snapping the Nuggets’ 9-game win streak. | Recap

Two main questions emerged after the Lakers traded for Dončić:

How would he fit alongside LeBron James and a new cast of teammates?And how would L.A.’s defense

fare without Anthony Davis manning the middle?

Against one of the top teams out West – one who’s ended the Lakers’ season in each of the past two Playoffs – Los Angeles responded to both.

Linking Up: Luka and LeBron (25 pts, 9 reb, 5 ast) put on a show, connecting for multiple transition buckets while sharing the wealth with Austin Reaves (23 pts) and Rui Hachimura (21 pts)Locking Down: Despite Jokić earning his NBA-best 26th triple-double, the Lakers kept the Joker in check while holding Denver to its lowest-scoring game since the New YearWinning Results: That included big defensive efforts from Dončić (4 stl, 1 blk) and James (1 stl, 3 blk), leading L.A. to its 12th win in 15 games“Chemistry takes time,”

said Luka on finding a rhythm. “But you saw today that it’s getting better. So every day, it’s going to get better.”

And how about this? ⬆️

Nets 105, 76ers 103: Tyrese Maxey dropped 31 points to will Philly back from 17 down, but Nic Claxton had the final word, with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 5 blocks and the game-winning putback at the buzzer to give Brooklyn a thrilling dub. | Recap

Brooklyn Ballin’: The Nets are on a season-best 7-2 run in their last nine games

Suns 121, Bulls 117: Looking to halt a 4-game slide, Phoenix’s trio came through as Devin Booker (29), Kevin Durant (27) and Bradley Beal (25) combined for 81 points to lead the Suns past the Bulls. | Recap

Jazz 124, Rockets 115: Keyonte George (30 pts, 8 reb, 6 ast) and Lauri Markkanen (23 pts, 10 reb) sparked a 37-25 4th quarter for the Jazz, who rallied past Alperen Sengun (27 pts, 12 reb, 7 ast) and the Rockets for a bounce-back win after dropping two in a row. | Recap

Blazers 141, Hornets 88: Speaking of bounce-back wins, the Blazers erupted for a season-high in points to avoid a fifth straight loss, as Anfernee Simons tallied 25, while Toumani Camara, Jabari Walker and Shaedon Sharpe added 20 apiece to outpace Charlotte and win by the largest margin in franchise history. | Recap

2. SURGING CELTICS HOST KNICKS TO OPEN ABC MATINEE

At 37-19, the Knicks are off to their best 56-game start in 28 years.

But New York is 0-6 against the top three teams in the NBA (CLE, OKC, BOS), including a 37-point loss in Cleveland on Friday – marking its largest defeat of the season.

Today (1 ET, ABC), the Knicks have an opportunity to respond in a major way as they visit Boston, which has handed them two 20+ point losses this season, including a 131-104 statement at MSG two weekends ago.

Scoring Surge: The Knicks (119.2) and Celtics (119.0) rank 3rd and 4th in OffRtg this season. But in their two matchups, Boston’s OffRtg (141.4) is nearly 27 points greater than New York’s (114.5)C’s 3s: The difference lies beyond the arc, where the Celtics have outscored the Knicks 144-60Tatum Takeover:

That includes 29 Boston triples in their opening night matchup, tied for the most in a single NBA game, including eight from Jayson Tatum, who dropped 37 points

JT vs. NY Chess Match: After Tatum torched the Knicks from deep in October, New York looked to run him off the 3-point line early in Round 2.

His response? An emphatic poster for the game’s opening points, setting the tone for the night.

On The Attack: In Boston’s first win over New York, Tatum recorded five drives. In their second meeting, he had 17 – seven more than his season average – resulting in 14 pointsDouble-Edged Sword: And his success inside opened up more looks from deep, as he finished the night with seven 3s en route to 40 points“He has an understanding

of being patient with the game,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla on Tatum earlier this week. “Knowing how to manipulate the game and when to have the game come to him.”

Will Tatum set the tone again tonight, or will the Knicks have an answer in pursuit of a signature win?

3. MORE ON ABC: KLAY RETURNS TO THE BAY PART II

Klay Thompson’s first game back in the Bay on Nov. 12 produced an instant classic, as the longtime Warrior was showered with love before splashing six 3s.

However, it was Golden State that claimed a thrilling 120-117 win, fueled by Steph Curry’s 37 points and a personal 10-0 run to close the game.

Today (3:30 ET), Klay returns to Chase Center once again as an opponent, but this time, there’s a new star alongside Steph – one who has the Bay buzzing.

Buckets Boost: Before trading for Jimmy Butler, the Warriors ranked 20th in scoring (111.5 ppg). In their five games with him, they’ve jumped to 8th (120.2)The Secret? Ball movement. In that span, Golden State is averaging an NBA-best 340.4 passes an outing, while Curry’s scoring has spiked from 22.7 ppg to 28.8The Result? A 4-1 record with Butler – the Warriors’ best 5+ game stretch since going 5-1 in November, which included their win over Klay and the Mavs“I’m most impressed

with his passing,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr on Butler after his debut. “His passing changes everything and connects the game.” 

Meanwhile, the Mavs enter Sunday on a 5-1 run, including three straight wins – despite being without Anthony Davis (left adductor strain).

Vet Stepping Up: Amid the Mavs’ 5-1 stretch, Kyrie Irving (5 GP) is averaging 27.8 ppg, highlighted by a 35-point performance in Friday’s win over the PelsDallas’ depth has also shined, with six scorers averaging double digits during the run (min. 4 GP)That includes Max Christie, who was packaged in the AD deal and is averaging 17.1 ppg in seven outings with Dallas – the best 7-game stretch of his career“He’s got a great feel

for the game,

”

said Kyrie on Christie. “It’s a beautiful brand of basketball when you have guys like that, and scoring is just an addition.”

Which revamped squad will continue to rise this afternoon?

Iggy Honored: The Warriors will retire Andre Iguodala’s No. 9 jersey on Sunday. Alongside the Dubs’ core of Steph, Klay and Draymond Green, Iggy led Golden State to four NBA titles and was named the 2015 Finals MVP

4. WORLD-CLASS GUARDS HEADLINE TONIGHT’S ESPN DOUBLEHEADER

Ja vs. Spida & Garland.

SGA vs. Ant.

And buckets in bulk.

That’s what’s in store tonight on ESPN as five of the most creative scoring guards take center stage, with the Cavs hosting the Grizzlies (7 ET) and the Thunder visiting the Wolves (9:30 ET).

All five stars are highlight reel regulars – but they each “get theirs” in their own distinct way.

Ja – Electric Energy: Powering the NBA’s top offense, Morant (20.5 ppg) is a blur when he gets downhill, ranking 3rd in pace (min. 20 GP), 6th in transition scoring (6.3) and 8th in ppg off drives (10.0).

Mitchell & Garland – P&R Problems: Tied with the Grizzlies for the NBA’s highest-scoring offense? The Cavs (122.8 ppg), led by Donovan Mitchell (24.0) and Darius Garland (21.3), who have combined for 955 total points as pick-and-roll handlers – more than any other duo.

All-Star No. 1 ⬆️ All-Star No. 2 ⬇️

The Explosive Ant: Anthony Edwards leads the NBA in total made 3s (231) and pull-up points per game (12.0). But if you get too close, he’ll blow right past you, ranking 7th in total points off drives.

SGA – Midrange Master: The only guard averaging more ppg than Ant this season? The NBA’s top scorer, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.2), who ranks 2nd in total midrange field goals and 3rd in midrange FG% (50.4).

Which star will shine brightest tonight?

5. LP SPOTLIGHT: PISTONS SEEK 6TH STRAIGHT WIN, MORE STARS DUEL

In January, the Pistons notched their first 5-game win streak since the 2018-19 season.

Now, they’re on another 5-game heater, seeking a sixth straight win for the first time since 2014-15.

Tonight (6 ET), they’ll look to break the decade-long drought as they visit Atlanta, highlighting a 6-game slate on League Pass.

New Year, New Level: Since scoring a season-high 40 points against the Wolves on Jan. 4, Cade Cunningham is posting 28.0 points and 9.4 assists per gameHistoric Run: That makes him the first Piston ever to average 28+ pts and 9+ ast over any 21-game span6th-Man Spark: Meanwhile, Malik Beasley ranks 2nd in the NBA in total made 3s with 220, already surpassing the Pistons’ single-season franchise record of 211 (Saddiq Bey, 2021-22)Trae Time: On the other side, Trae Young is averaging the second-most ppg in the NBA this February (31.8), while leading the league in assists (11.5)On Point:

Directly below him assists this month? Cade (10.9)

Five more games tip off on League Pass, beginning with James Harden and the Clips visiting Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers (5 ET) before Giannis (GTD) and the Bucks host Tyler Herro (GTD) and the Heat in a clash of East rivals (6 ET).

Wizards at Magic (6 ET)Suns at Raptors (6 ET)Spurs at Pelicans

(7 ET)

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