TITLE: Western Conference Roundup: Doncic’s Scoring Spree, Splitter Takes Blazers Helm, Nash Returns to Suns
SLUG: western-conference-roundup-doncic-splitter-nash
CONTENT:
Luka Doncic continued his torrid start, pouring in 49 points in Friday’s victory over the Timberwolves, pushing his two-game total to 92. According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, that is the highest opening-week scoring mark in franchise history. Chants of “MVP” echoed through the arena as the guard paced a lineup that also featured Deandre Ayton, Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura for the second straight game.
“He dominates the whole game so easily,” Hachimura told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, noting that Minnesota reached the Western Conference Finals last season. Doncic said he was focused on the new campaign, adding, “I just want to forget about last season.”
Free-agent pickup Marcus Smart made his presence felt defensively, finishing plus-24 despite modest box-score numbers, as reported by the Los Angeles Times’ Thuc Nhi Nguyen. Head coach JJ Redick has not altered his starting five, though rookie Dalton Knecht entered the rotation on Friday, per Khobi Price of the Orange County Register.
Trail Blazers
Tiago Splitter’s sudden promotion to interim head coach came after Chauncey Billups was placed on indefinite leave while facing federal charges. “Honestly, a tough moment,” Splitter said via The Oregonian’s Joe Freeman. “But I’ve got to do my job.”
Lead assistant Nate Bjorkgren recommended Splitter for the role, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported, preferring to concentrate on the club’s defense. The decision paid immediate dividends: Portland routed Golden State 139-119 in Splitter’s debut.
“This city is going to enjoy watching the Blazers. They have a real identity,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told Shelburne after the game. The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress outlined possible long-term coaching options should Billups not return. Billups appeared “emotionless and hollow” in court, according to The Athletic’s Jason Quick. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, a close friend, said he spoke with Billups Thursday night and confirmed, “He’s good,” via Janis Carr of the Orange County Register.
Suns
Two-time MVP Steve Nash has rejoined Phoenix as a senior advisor, team owner Mat Ishbia announced last month. “I’m there as a resource,” Nash told the Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin, noting that the franchise has both a first-year head coach and a rookie general manager. Nash will continue his work as an Amazon Prime Video analyst and as co-host of the “More Than a Game” podcast with LeBron James.
The Suns view Nash’s experience as another step in their organizational reset.
Source: Hoops Wire
