On the night of November 9, the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks officially tipped off at FedExForum.
Though the Mavericks were not as explosive as teams like the Lakers and Nets, the presence of Luka Dončić ensured that this game drew no shortage of attention.
Dončić drew plenty of attention from reporters during warmups. Several cameras surrounded him, filming nonstop.
Before long, Stephen A. Smith, today's courtside reporter, appeared on camera holding a basketball magazine.
He held up the latest issue of Sports Illustrated to the camera. Luka Dončić was on the cover, beneath a striking headline: "How Close Is He to Link?"
"Luka versus Link—a showdown between the league's two most complete players. Many believe Luka will take up Link's banner once Link leaves the league. So tonight, let Link test just how capable his successor really is."
Stephen A. Smith knew exactly how to seize on the key point, instantly stoking the fans' curiosity.
Everyone had seen Dončić's performance this season.
As a rookie, he had already averaged 21 points per game. That led people to believe that Dončić might not make a huge leap this season, and might even regress, becoming another case of peaking straight out of the gate.
But Dončić answered those doubts with his play.
In the season opener against the Washington Wizards, he erupted for 34 points and demolished two-time All-Star Bradley Beal.
In the second game against the Pelicans, he put up a triple-double of 25 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, leaving Brandon Ingram thoroughly embarrassed.
In the third game against the Trail Blazers, Dončić posted a near 30-point triple-double with 29 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds. The Mavericks ultimately lost by only two points, enough to scare Lillard into a cold sweat.
Against the Lakers and James, he even