Stephen A. Smith (Photo By Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

Stephen A. Smith’s latest NBA conversation on First Take sparked a social media storm after he discussed his all-time top 5 point guard list. ESPN’s analyst, alongside NBA legend Magic Johnson, shared his rankings, which created debates across the basketball community.

Smith ranked Chris Paul at No. 5, praising his ability to control the game and facilitate for teammates. While, Jason Kidd made the list at No. 4, with Smith highlighting Kidd’s unmatched ability to push the fast break and make plays without a jump shot. At No. 3, Stephen A. Smith listed Isaiah Thomas, referencing his leadership and legacy as one of the most brutal point guards ever playing the game.

Stephen Curry earned No. 2 for his shooting efficiency, ball handling, and ability to move off the ball. But the top spot remained reserved for Magic Johnson, whom Smith called the greatest facilitator in NBA history, pointing to his five championships and revolutionary impact on the point guard position.

After revealing the list, Johnson himself suggested adding John Stockton and Steven Nash to the conversation, adding fuel to the ongoing debate. Fans quickly took to social media to argue their own ranking, making the list a hot topic online.

Stephen A. Smith Responded to Tyrese Haliburton’s Statement

Tyrese Haliburton (Photo by Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images) and Stephen A. Smith (Photo by Tommy Gilligan/Imagn Images)
Smith recently criticized Haliburton’s post-game three comments, in which the Pacers star claimed the NBA media didn’t understand basketball after being called out for his passive performance in Game 2. He, alongside his fellow analysts, argued that the criticism came from multiple sources, including NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley.

Smith reminded Haliburton that such criticism is part of the game, especially when you underperform. While Tyrese didn’t name anyone directly, Smith took the comments personally and reaffirmed his continued presence as a top analyst at ESPN.

However, Nick Wright shares similar views, elaborating that media criticism is based on facts, not personal attacks. Both analysts pointed out that Haliburton‘s strong delivery in Game 3 backed up their critiques.

Luka Doncic ‘destroys’ the Mavs on his return. Gets standing ovation and shows love to Mark Cuban

Luka Doncic hits 45 points in his first game in Dallas since being traded to the Los Angeles.

It’s rare for a home crowd to cheer the visiting team, but Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas was no ordinary night.

Just days before February’s trade deadline, the Mavericks shocked the NBA by sending their 26-year-old superstar to the Lakers—a move that outraged fans and sparked backlash toward GM Nico Harrison.

On Wednesday, Doncic played his first game back in Dallas since the trade. The arena was filled with fans in both his old Mavs and new Lakers jerseys, many chanting “Fire Nico” in protest.

Despite the emotion in the air, Doncic delivered a dominant performance, scoring a game-high 45 points to lead the Lakers to a 112-97 win. It was a powerful return for one of the league’s brightest stars—and a night Dallas won’t soon forget

The Mavericks pay tribute to Luka Dončić

While the Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic remains heavily criticized, they handled his return to Dallas with undeniable grace. The organization made sure his first game back as a Laker was met with respect and appreciation.

Every seat in the arena was draped with a T-shirt reading “Hvala za vse,” which translates from Slovenian to “thank you for everything.” It was a thoughtful nod to Doncic’s heritage and impact on the franchise.

Before tip-off, during the starting lineup announcements, the Mavericks played a tribute video showcasing some of Doncic’s most iconic moments in a Dallas jersey. The emotional gesture clearly resonated—moving Doncic to tears in front of the crowd that once called him their own.

Luka Doncic ‘DESTROYS’ his old team

Luka delivered a dazzling performance against his former team, putting up 45 points on 16-of-28 shooting, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also added 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in a game that showed exactly why he’s one of the best in the league.

From the opening tip, Doncic was locked in. By halftime, Doncic had racked up 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting in just 19 minutes—marking the 10th time in his career he’s scored 30 or more in a single half.

Though his scoring slowed in the second half, he continued to lead effectively, securing both a Lakers win and an unforgettable showing for the fans in Dallas.