Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade still shocks the basketball world
The NBA shocked the basketball world yesterday, February 2, when the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for big man Anthony Davis.
Included in the Luka package were Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while AD will be with Max Christie and LAL’s 2029 first round pick.
According to Dallas General Manager Nico Harrison, they had a vision and a culture that they needed to create that’s why they pulled off the trade.
"As we turn the page, I think it's important to know that [Mavs coach Jason Kidd] and I, we've had a vision and the culture that we want to create since we've been here," said Harrison in a post-game press conference after Dallas started the post-Luka era with a 101-144 loss at Cleveland.
"The players that we're bringing in, we believe, exemplify that. We think defense wins championships, and we're bringing in one of the best two-way players in the league," he added.
Doncic was also surprised by the trade as he didn’t request one, and even thought that he’d spend his entire career as a Maverick and bring a championship there.
Despite the situation, the generational superstar was still thankful for everything that the Dallas community shared with him.
“Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level. I thought I'd spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship,” Doncic wrote.
“The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of. For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home. In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed."
"As I start the next part of my basketball journey, I am leaving a city that will always feel like a home away from home. Dallas is a special place, and Mavs fans are special fans. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
“Grateful for this amazing opportunity. Basketball means everything to me, and no matter where I play the game, I’ll do so with the same joy, passion and goal — to win championships.,” Doncic ended.
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Arvin Tolentino rediscovered his scoring touch just in time, delivering a standout performance as NorthPort held off Barangay Ginebra, 108-103, in Game 4 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Wednesday, March 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Batang Pier avoided a sweep and forced a Game 5, though they had to withstand a furious late rally from the Gin Kings to keep their season alive. Ginebra still holds a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Tolentino, who struggled in the first half with just two points, erupted for 18 in the second half to finish with 20. He also contributed across the board with 11 assists, nine rebounds, four steals, and a block in his best game of the series.
Import Kadeem Jack led the charge with a dominant 39-point, 15-rebound performance while also dishing out five dimes. Will Navarro (16), Joshua Munzon (14), and Paolo Taha (11) also provided key contributions.
"I had to step up, or else we’d be out," Tolentino said. "As a team, we found a way to win today. It feels great to win too. But again, it's just one win.” Tolentino said.
“We gotta win more and hopefully continue our good game. From the next game up to the last game, we have to find a way to win. Three more, it seems impossible, but nothing is impossible,” he added.
After a slow start, Tolentino came alive in the third quarter, scoring 14 points—including a clutch three-pointer to close the period—helping NorthPort build an 84-74 lead entering the fourth.
Jack continued to dominate inside, converting an and-one play before Navarro drilled a three-pointer to stretch the lead to 96-88. Jack later extended the advantage to 104-93.
But Ginebra fought back, going on a 7-0 run and capitalizing on NorthPort’s turnovers. Stephen Holt then nailed a crucial three-pointer off an RJ Abarrientos pass, cutting the deficit to 104-103 with 36.8 seconds left.
Jack answered with a fadeaway jumper, and Tolentino sealed the win with two free throws.
All five Ginebra starters scored in double figures, with Brownlee leading the way with 18 points. Troy Rosario added 17, while Holt had 15.
NorthPort will now aim to extend the series again in Game 5, while Ginebra looks to close it out on Friday, March 7.
Calvin Oftana erupted for 26 points to lead the TNT Tropang Giga to a hard-fought 93-85 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Wednesday night, March 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Oftana also tallied three rebounds and four assists in his stellar performance, helping TNT move one step closer to the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
The Cebuano sweet-shooting forward dedicated the win to veteran Jayson Castro, who has been ruled out for the season due to a knee injury.
"Malaking bagay na wala si Kuya Jayson. Itong remaining games namin, inoffer namin sa kanya," said Oftana.
"Big factor si Kuya Jayson sa amin, pero hindi lang isang tao ang makakapuno sa kawalan niya. Kailangan namin magtulungan bilang isang team," he added.
Fellow Cebuano RR Pogoy provided solid support, finishing with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block.
TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson delivered another all-around performance, contributing 17 markers, 11 boards, five deflections, two rejections, and a dime.
Rey Nambatac chipped in 12 points and six rebounds, while Kim Aurin added nine markers, including a crucial three-pointer in the closing minutes.
On the other side, Rain or Shine's reinforcement Deon Thompson put up a game-high 44 points and 13 rebounds, but his efforts were in vain as his local teammates struggled to produce. Keith Datu and Anton Asistio were the closest to double figures, finishing with eight points each.
Tropang Giga now has the chance to close out the series on Friday, March 7, at 5:00 PM at the same venue. However, with Rain or Shine's resilience throughout the series, the Elasto Painters could still force a deciding Game 5.
After dominating NorthPort in the Game 3 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup semi-finals series, Barangay Ginebra got closer to another Finals appearance.
The Kings got the 3-0 commanding lead in their semis battle after dismantling the Batang Pier 127-100, Sunday night, March 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jamie Malonzo led the charge with 27 points on 4-of-5 shooting from three-point territory. He also grabbed eight rebounds in his breakout game after returning to action last January.
Ginebra’s resident import, Justin Brownlee, provided solid support with 22 points, shooting 5-of-7 from three-point range.
Veterans Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, and Troy Rosario also contributed significantly, scoring 17, 15, and 10 points, respectively.
RJ Abarrientos made an impact off the bench with a double-double of 10 points and 10 assists, posting a plus-24 rating whenever he was on the floor.
On the other hand, NorthPort’s Kadeem Jack carried the Batang Pier on his shoulders as he put up a game-high 32 points along with four assists, two steals, and a block. However, he managed just three rebounds.
Arvin Tolentino struggled offensively, finishing with 15 points on 5-of-14 shooting, including a cold 1-of-6 from three-point range – far from this elimination round average where he became the league-leading candidate for the Best Player of the Conference award.
Paolo Taha was the only other NorthPort player to score in double figures, contributing 10 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting.
Ginebra’s depth proved crucial, outscoring NorthPort’s bench 58-39, allowing them to maintain control throughout the game.
The Gin Kings will have a chance to close out the series on Wednesday, March 5, at 2 PM, at the same venue.