When Nikola Jokic Takes Over As The Coach...

Last night was absolutely insane- We got Luka Doncic crying before the game, all of a sudden now Nikola Jokic is the coach of the Nuggets. And things escalated in San Fran with a game winner at the buzzer. But we gotta start in Dallas for the first return of Luka Doncic since the trade. And boy, things got very emotional… Maan he really seemed crushed, despite Bron and company trying their best to cheer him up. But as soon as he stepped on the court, all of that vanished, and he started torturing his former teammates. And expectedly so, the “Fire Nico” chants broke out immediately. And continued all throughout the game, with Nico hiding near the tunnel. Then, AD got his turn to dance with Doncic up top. You can tell that Luka wanted to make a statement. Best of all, the entire arena cheered whenever Doncic scored. I guess it's just muscle memory. Anyway, Gafford gave them a few reasons to cheer about their own team for a change. And the Mavs had a slight edge after one, but then, the Lakers brought Showtime into Dallas in the 2nd period. But none of this compares to the Doncic domination in the first half, as everyone could see that he was out for blood. A 17 point quarter for Luka for an astonishing 31 point first half in the return, saying yeah this is what you traded away. But despite all the theatrics, the Mavs punished LA’s smaller lineup inside, and stayed in this game throughout the first half. Things were even in the third quarter, but this is when the Lakers started clamping down forcing 6 turnovers in the period. And look at the lightning quick movement closing out for the entire possession, and turning defense into offense. Trailing at the start of the final period, the Mavs had to make a push, and they did so going inside again on the Lakers. But then, all hell broke loose after this great defensive sequence by the home team, which turned into… So with the arena rocking, and the momentum on Dallas’ side, nobody had an idea that the Lakers were about to go on a monster run led by Lebron. LeBarbie takes over with 13 points in the 4th, catapulting the Lakers to a 20 to 6 run to completely blow this game open. And Luka added his imprint to this spectacle when… This guy is unreal! 45 points in his old arena leaving the game to standing ovations with nobody having an idea why in the world they traded this phenom. The Lakers win a crucial game to stay at number 3 in the standings. And Golden State had the same mission against the Spurs, but this turned into a thriller at the end. Down by 1 they need a bucket and you know who they turn to. Steph Curry with his 30th point of the night gets the lead back for the Warriors. Next possession, they have a chance to extend the lead but… That’s the second turnover in the clutch for Golden State leading to San Antonio fast break points, and it didn’t stop there. Maaan what is going on it’s like the Warriors forgot how to play basketball. Thankfully for them, this was called a foul on the Spurs so Jimmy goes to the line and knocks down both free throws. So needing a bucket San Antonio turns to Keldon Johnson and he delivers… A grown men battle under the rim with Draymond and he puts it in to tie the game and the drama continues. It’s Golden State’s turn now but guess what happens. Unbelievable, another turnover by the Warriors so now the visitors have a huge opportunity, and they use it. What a pass by Stephon Castle to find the sneaking Johnson and the Spurs have the lead. But on the final possession they foul Draymond and give him 2 free throws just like that. I guess they were like, anything but a Steph Curry shot at the end. And it seemed like a good idea to put a 68% free throw shooter for the season on the line buuuut Green stays ice cool and knocks down both. So it all comes to this final shot for San Antonio… Oh my goodness! A game winner by Barnes in his old arena to stun Golden State and knock them in the play in zone with only 2 games left to be played. Wooow the season finale is going to be absolutely nuts in the West.