Lakers
Luka Doncic is already giving Lakers fans plenty to chant about. After all, MVP chants filled the arena Friday night as the star guard poured in 49 points in a win over the Timberwolves, giving him 92 through his first two games.
That is the most in franchise history to start a season, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic.
“He dominates the whole game so easily,” Rui Hachimura told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “And it’s not some random team. They’re a Western Conference Finals team. So this is crazy.”
Minnesota knocked the Lakers out of the playoffs last spring, but Doncic said he was not focused on revenge.
“I just want to forget about last season,” he said. “I was trying to move on.”
Meanwhile, Marcus Smart showed exactly why the Lakers signed him. As Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times wrote, Smart’s defense and energy made an impact even if it did not show up in the box score.
“Being plus-24 is great,” Smart said. “It shows the impact that can be made without touching the ball.”
As an aside, coach JJ Redick has used the same starting five through two games, according to Khobi Price of the Orange County Register.
The group includes Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves and Hachimura. Rookie Dalton Knecht entered the rotation Friday after not playing in the opener.
Trail Blazers
Tiago Splitter’s first few days as head coach has been anything but typical. With Chauncey Billups on indefinite leave as he faces federal charges, Splitter has been thrust into the spotlight.
“Honestly, a tough moment,” Splitter said, via Joe Freeman of The Oregonian. “But I’ve got to do my job. I’m looking forward to showing my skills and leading a team.”
Lead assistant Nate Bjorkgren told GM Joe Cronin that Splitter was the right choice for the job, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. Bjorkgren, who has previous head coaching experience, wanted to stay focused on the defense and help where needed.
Splitter’s debut could not have gone much better. Portland blew out Golden State 139-119.
“It was about them and their great play,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said, via Shelburne. “This city is going to enjoy watching the Blazers. They have a real identity.”
The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress listed some potential long-term replacements if Billups does not return.
As for Billups, Jason Quick of The Athletic described his appearance in court as “emotionless” and “hollow.”
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, one of Billups’ closest friends, said he spoke with him Thursday night.
“He’s good,” Lue said, via Janis Carr of the Orange County Register. “That’s all I wanted to make sure of.”
Suns
Steve Nash is back with the Suns, this time as a senior advisor. Team owner Mat Ishbia announced the move last month.
Nash said that he is serving as a resource for the organization, via Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic.
“I’m there as a resource,” Nash said. “We have a rookie coach and rookie GM. An organization that’s trying to reset. I’m just here to share my experiences and my thoughts around the game.”
Nash, of course, also works as an analyst for Amazon Prime Video and hosts the “More Than a Game” podcast with LeBron James.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
