The Mavs lost Sunday night in a thriller to the Raptors 123-120 despite Luka’s impressive triple-double. Dallas will now head East as they begin a vital four game stretch that will seriously impact their playoff hopes. With so many headlines heading into this game, All-Star births, Anthony Davis trade request, etc. here is what to watch for tonight in the Big Apple.

The old and new head into MSG

Dirk has yet to announce if this will be his final season or not. With that in mind it’s becoming more and more clear this is his swan song. He has always loved playing at “The Garden” and even spoke about it last year hoping to come back one more time.

Dirk on Madison Square Garden: “I’ll miss playing here. It’s always a special place to play. The atmosphere, the history of this place. It’s definitely a place that I will miss. Hopefully I will come back again one more time, but we’ll see how it goes.”

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) March 14, 2018

There has always been something special about playing at MSG in New York. So many great battles between the Bulls and Knicks, to historic individual games by legends of the game. Kobe dropping 61, Bernard King 60 point “Christmas Present”, or Curry hitting 11 of 13 threes for 54. With so many historic performances and even a game winner by Dirk, this will no doubt be an emotional game for him.

This will be Luka’s first game in the Big Apple, and while he may be getting “Rooked” for the All Star game this year, he no doubt will try to put on a show for the many fans at MSG. As one legend looks to end his career highlights in NY, another Mav looks to begin his.

Luka’s hot streak

Over the last two games, Doncic is averaging 33.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. Those are absolutely insane numbers for anyone in the NBA, especially a 19-year-old rookie. These are not just All-Star type stats but MVP like performances, we might be getting a glimpse of the future.

Maybe it’s a coincidence this began after he was not named an All-Star starter despite the four million fan votes. Maybe this is his way of grabbing the league’s attention, leaving no doubt he should be playing in the big game in Charlotte, or maybe this is just Luka Doncic taking it to another level.

Something’s got to give

The Knicks, who look like they are trying their best to win the Zion sweepstakes, only have a 4-17 home record. New York is on a 10-game losing streak and 11-game losing streak at home just one shy of their franchise record.

Dallas road woes are well documented this season only winning four of 24 away games played. On top of the teams struggles away from the AAC this season, the team tends to not take lottery teams seriously. Losing against Phoenix and Atlanta, two of the leagues worst teams and two more wins they let slip away. The next four games for Dallas include the Knicks, Pistons, Cavs, and Hornets; all winnable games. If the Mavericks (22-27) are serious about fighting for a playoff birth, it starts tonight.