Luka Doncic Laughs off NBA Skills Competition Performance: 'I Didn't Warm Up'
Mar 7, 2021
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic looks to shoot against the Orlando Magic during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 1, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic received a bye into the second round of Sunday's All-Star Skills Competition, but that was as far as he advanced.
Indiana Pacers big man Domantas Sabonis defeated Doncic on the way to winning the entire contest. In fact, Sabonis blew Doncic out with the Mavericks guard struggling to complete the pass:
Doncic shouldn't feel too bad since Sabonis also defeated Julius Randle of the New York Knicks and Nikola Vucevic of the Orlando Magic to win the title in an impressive overall performance.
Domantas Sabonis Wins 2021 NBA Skills Challenge: Recap, Highlights, Reaction
Mar 7, 2021
Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis plays during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
With defending champion Bam Adebayo not participating, the field was wide open for Domantas Sabonis to run away with the Skills Challenge title in the event that preceded the 2021 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday.
After getting beat to the arc by Nikola Vucevic, Sabonis sunk a three before his opponent to win the event after finishing as the runner-up last year.
The Skills Challenge puts players into an obstacle course that tests dribbling, passing and shooting abilities in head-to-head contests.
This year's field was more star-studded than last year's, which saw five All-Star selections battle it out for victory among eight competitors. This year, there were fewer participants, but just one was not participating in the All-Star Game (* denotes All-Star):
Against Chris Paul, Vucevic—who defeated Robert Covington in the first round—got the edge over the veteran after each had to attempt several three-pointers before one found the net.
Nikola Vucevic advances to the #TacoBellSkills challenge Finals!
With that out of the way, most of the field will now turn its attention to the main event. The 2021 NBA All-Star Game tips off at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Kevin Love Trade Rumors: Mavs View Cavs PF as Strong Fit with Luka Doncic
Mar 6, 2021
Cleveland Cavaliers' Kevin Love drives against the Miami Heat in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
If the Cleveland Cavaliers want to trade Kevin Love, at least one Western Conference playoff contender is enamored with what he could offer.
Per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Dallas Mavericks feel Love would fix the problems they have had with three-point shooting and defensive rebounding:
"A source with knowledge of the Mavericks' thinking suggested Kevin Love as a much better fit [than Andre Drummond] given the team's 3-point woes and desire to surround MVP candidate Luka Doncic with shooters. Love would also help boost Dallas' problematic defensive rebounding metrics. Still, the Mavericks have two appealing expiring contracts—Tim Hardaway Jr. ($18 million) and James Johnson ($16 million)—that would help facilitate a deal."
Sam Amico of FortyEightMinutes.com reported Thursday the Cavs "would love to move" Love before the March 25 trade deadline.
One general manager told Amico, "That's not happening."
Love's contract is likely one significant hurdle for teams putting together offers. The five-time All-Star is owed $31.3 million next season and $28.9 million in 2022-23.
Another potential issue is Love's injury history. He's appeared in only two games this season because of a calf injury. He returned to practice Feb. 17, but no timetable for his return to games has been established. The 32-year-old missed 60 games during the 2018-19 season, mostly because of a foot injury.
The Mavs entered the All-Star break with an 18-16 record, though they have played better recently with nine wins in their last 11 games to climb to eighth in the Western Conference. They attempt the ninth-most three-point field goals per game (37.4) but rank 25th in three-point percentage (35.0).
Love shot 37.4 percent from behind the arc in 56 games last season.
The NBA All-Star Game is often an amalgamation of elite hoopers past, present and future. Sure, they're all technically present stars. But some are still ascending, some are elegantly declining and others are at their apexes...
NBA All-Star Weekend 2021: Updated TV, Live-Stream Schedule and Predictions
Mar 6, 2021
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) brings the ball up court in the second half during an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The 2021 edition of NBA All-Star Weekend has arrived, and this year's series of events should be as entertaining as always. The caveat is that this is largely going to be a television event for fans to enjoy at home.
"The message within the NBA community is that we're going to be operating in a mini bubble," commissioner Adam Silver said, per ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. "There will be no NBA functions [for fans] to participate in. We appreciate their support and hope they'll watch our All-Star Game on television."
Those fans watching on television will have plenty to take in, though. The action got underway Thursday night, when team captains LeBron James and Kevin Durant selected their All-Star rosters.
The action will continue Sunday, with the All-Star Game itself being accompanied by the Skills Challenge, Slam Dunk Contest and 3-Point Contest. Here we will examine the schedule for Sunday, along with predictions for each event.
Skills Challenge
When: Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET
TV and Live Stream: TNT, TNTdrama.com
This year's Skills Challenge features a host of talented NBA standouts. Robert Covington, Luka Doncic, Julius Randle, Domantas Sabonis, Nikola Vucevic and Chris Paul will engage in a competition testing their all-around basketball skills.
The competition will feature runs of a course that includes bounce passes and chest passes, dribbling through obstacles and the shooting of both layup and three-pointers. It will be a three-round, single-elimination tournament, and speed will not be the only deciding factor.
The first player to complete the course will be declared the winner of each round. According to the official rules, however, disqualifications for skipping a challenge before completion or interfering with an opponent could occur.
While any player could take the crown in this event, our guess is that rising star Doncic puts his tremendous all-around game on display and wins.
Prediction: Doncic wins.
3-Point Contest
When: Sunday, after 6:30 p.m. ET
TV and Live Stream: TNT, TNTdrama.com
The 3-Point Contest will take place between the end of the skills challenge and tip-off of the All-Star Game proper. This year's participants are Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Zach LaVine, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
While every competitor here is an adapt deep-ball shooter, factors like timing and a quick release will come into play. Each participant will have 70 seconds to make a maximum of 27 shot attempts from five ball racks placed around the three-point line. Each made basket is worth a point, unless it's a "money ball" worth two points.
Booker is a strong choice to win here, as he claimed victory in 2018 and finished second to Buddy Hield last year. However, Curry wasn't in the competition last year, as he was recovering from hand surgery. He's back in the mix, though, and likely out to prove he's still one of the game's greats.
Curry's Golden State Warriors haven't had a ton of on-court success this season but are on the cusp of playoff contention. Expect Curry to find a little more success in this one.
Prediction: Curry wins.
Dunk Contest
When: Sunday, sometime after 8 p.m. ET
TV and Live Stream: TNT and TNTdrama.com
This year's Slam Dunk Contest is scheduled to take place during halftime of the All-Star Game. This is part of an effort to adhere to COVID-19 protocols and condense All-Star Weekend into a single evening.
This year's field consists of only three players: Anfernee Simons, Cassius Stanley and Obi Toppin. While not one of the trio is an NBA superstar, each possesses big-time dunking prowess—you know, the one skill needed to win this event.
It's difficult to know exactly what to expect from this year's competitors because innovation usually leads to success. Last year, for example, winner Derrick Jones Jr. wowed with a between-the-legs slam over two people.
With innovation and athleticism likely to steal the show once again, it's hard not to go with G Leaguer and former Duke dunker Stanley.
Prediction: Stanley wins.
NBA All-Star Game
When: Sunday at 8 p.m. ET
TV and Live Stream: TNT, TNTDrama.com
Team LeBron has taken home the All-Star crown in each of the past three seasons. James defeated Curry's team in 2018 and Giannis Antetokounmpo's squads in 2019 and 2020. Interestingly, he made the two former opposing captains his teammates with his first two selections this year.
With Curry healthy and Antetokounmpo seemingly always in MVP form, it's hard not to think that Team LeBron could be headed for a fourth successive win. Team Durant is loaded with talent—including his Brooklyn Nets teammates Kyrie Irving and James Harden—but Durant himself won't be on the court because of injury.
Durant's absence cannot be overstated. James, meanwhile, will lead a squad deep with versatility, size and length. While defense is rarely a factor in the annual exhibition, Team LeBron is better equipped to at least slow the scoring.
Team LeBron also happens to be favored by 3.5 points, according to FanDuel. While this could go either way, we'll roll with the favorites here.
Prediction: Team LeBron wins.
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NBA 2K21 Drops Full Ratings Update for LeBron vs. Durant and All-Star Weekend
Mar 5, 2021
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) brings the ball up court in the second half during an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
2K Sports is using NBA All-Star Weekend as an opportunity to drop a new NBA 2K21ratings update that is highlighted by all of the players who will be in Atlanta for Sunday's festivities.
The update comes on the heels of Thursday's All-Star draft led by captains LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
Here are the updated ratings for every player in the All-Star Game:
Reserves: James Harden (95 OVR); Devin Booker (88 OVR); Zion Williamson (89 OVR); Zach LaVine (88 OVR); Julius Randle (87 OVR); Nikola Vucevic (88 OVR); Donovan Mitchell (88 OVR)
Team LeBron James
Starters: LeBron James (97 OVR); Giannis Antetokounmpo (96 OVR); Stephen Curry (96 OVR); Luka Doncic (93 OVR); Nikola Jokic (95 OVR)
Reserves: Damian Lillard (94 OVR); Ben Simmons (88 OVR); Chris Paul (88 OVR); Jaylen Brown (89 OVR); Paul George (90 OVR); Domantas Sabonis (87 OVR); Rudy Gobert (88 OVR)
Per 2K Sports, Team LeBron's average overall rating is slightly higher than that of Team Durant (91.75 to 90.5). Durant won't be able to participate in the game as he continues to rehab a strained hamstring that kept him out for the Brooklyn Nets' last nine games of the first half.
Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Zion Williamson, Donovan Mitchell, Devin Booker and Julius Randle are the All-Stars who all received a one-point bump in their overall ratings. No All-Star gained or lost more than one point from their rating prior to the update.
Jimmy Butler is the most prominent non-All-Star who saw a two-point decrease in his rating from 92 to 90.
Among the players participating in All-Star events in addition to the game, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is the best player in the Skills Challenge with a 93 overall rating. No other player in the field has a rating higher than 88 (Nikola Vucevic and Chris Paul).
Stephen Curry's 98 three-point rating obliterates everyone else taking part in the 3-Point Contest. Zach LaVine is a distant second (88), followed by Devin Booker and Jaylen Brown at 86. Donovan Mitchell and Jayson Tatum round out the field with an 85.
The gap is very close between the three Slam Dunk Contest participants in dunk rating. Cassius Stanley's 92 rating gives him a slight edge over Obi Toppin (90) and Anfernee Simons (89).
All of the events will be held Sunday, starting with the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest before the All-Star Game that tips off at 8 p.m. ET. The Slam Dunk Contest will take place during halftime.
Giannis on Team LeBron's Starting 5: 'Yeah, It's over Guys'
Mar 5, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo tries to drive past Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 111-104. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is confident Team LeBron is heading toward a victory in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game after Thursday night's roster draft.
James explained there's no magic formula for picking a winning squad, though he's 3-0 since the format moved to player captains picking the rosters in 2018.
"I just try to pick players that can complement one another," Jamessaidon the TNT broadcast. "We're out on the floor, just try to play the game the right way. It's an All-Star Game, so it's going to be some shenanigans out there, but for the majority of the game, we just play the right way and try to get a win."
One of the night's most surprising moments came at the end of the draft when the two players left on the board were the representatives from the NBA-leading Utah Jazz, Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.
James defended himself and Durant, jokingly chalking it up to the franchise's history.
"I just want to say something, because there's no slander to the Utah Jazz," he said. "But you guys got to understand, just like in video games growing up, we never played with Utah. Even as great as Karl Malone and John Stockton were, we never would have picked those guys. Never."
Although James' starting lineup does look a bit stronger on paper, Team Durant features an explosive group of bench scorers, led by James Harden.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxOpAjmx26c
Given the condensed regular-season schedule, the game's head coaches—the Jazz's Quin Snyder for Team LeBron and the Sixers' Doc Rivers for Team Durant—are probably going to spread the minutes out as evenly as possible with all 12 players on both sides seeing plenty of run.
So it's likely the starting lineups will only be out there together for the first couple of minutes. LeBron's starting unit is almost assuredly going to return for crunch time, but the Durant group may go with some small-ball looks during the "Elam Ending" format as it tries to generate some extra offense.
Tip off for the All-Star Game at State Farm Arena in Atlanta is scheduled for Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.
The Dallas Mavericks entered February teetering on the brink of disaster, as a six-game losing streak dipped their record to a dismal 8-13. But they have been finding their way out of that funk ever since...
Luka Doncic Out for Mavericks vs. Thunder with Back Injury
Mar 3, 2021
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic celebrates after scoring and drawing a foul during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Los Angeles Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Wednesday marks the Mavs' final game before the All-Star break. Doncic, who was named an All-Star starter, is still expected to play in the exhibition on Sunday.
Luka Doncic isn’t playing tonight. Rick Carlisle said Doncic’s lower back has been bothering him for 2 1/2 weeks. “It’s just something where he needed to take a game.”
After a slow start to the season, Doncic started to turn things around with a 27-point, 15-rebound, seven-assist performance against the Miami Heat on New Year's Day. Unfortunately, it came at a cost as the 21-year-old missed the following game against the Chicago Bulls with a bruised left quad.
Doncic's status was still undetermined 90 minutes before tipoff against the Bulls, so it's unclear if the injury was one he could've played through. Either way, the team decided not to risk it with its franchise cornerstone.
Instead, Jalen Brunson and Trey Burke saw their minutes increase in Chicago, and they can expect a similar bump with Doncic sidelined again.
The Mavericks (17-16) need the guard on the floor and healthy at all costs—even if he's still trying to find his rhythm from behind the arc—as he demands the defense's full attention whenever he's playing.
Through 32games, Doncic is averaging 28.6 points, 9.0 assists and 8.4 rebounds.
He'll hope to keep pumping those numbers up when he's able to return.
Mavericks' Luka Doncic Creates LinkedIn Profile; Skills Include 'Basketball'
Mar 3, 2021
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic plays during an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
If you've ever wondered what a superstar athlete's LinkedIn profile would look like, Luka Doncic has provided the answer.
The Dallas Mavericks guard created a profile on the networking website as part of his marketing deal with BioSteel Sports.
Under the "Skills & Endorsements" section of his page, Doncic listed "basketball."
Anyone who has watched Doncic play over the past three seasons can certainly agree that basketball is a skill he possesses. The 22-year-old is already a two-time All-Star and is averaging 28.6 points, 9.0 assists and 8.4 rebounds per game in 32 starts this season.
Even though Doncic has added the title of Global Chief Hydration Officer to his resume with BioSteel Sports, his main focus will remain helping the 18-16 Mavericks get back to the postseason.
