(Photo : (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)) TORONTO, CANADA – FEBRUARY 28: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks smiles as he runs again on protection in opposition to the Toronto Raptors within the second half of their NBA recreation at Scotiabank Arena on February 28, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and situations of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is within the midst of one other legendary season and is unquestionably within the MVP dialog.
The five-time All-Star at the moment averages 34.6 factors, 9.0 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per recreation whereas capturing 49.4% from the sphere and 38.0% from three.
It’s little question that Doncic has constructed a strong case to be MVP this season. He continues to be probably the greatest gamers within the league and has performed at an MVP stage all season thus far.
Luka Doncic Shows his Value on Mavs
No participant has been worthwhile to their staff fairly like Luka Doncic has been to the Dallas Mavericks.
Luka and the Mavericks are at the moment 34-28 as we strategy the final quarter of the season. Compared to different candidates within the race, Doncic and the Mavs have a considerably worse file than different MVP candidates like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Nikola Jokic Nuggets) and Giannis Antetokumpo (Bucks).
Despite sharing a backcourt with Kyrie Irving, an All-Star in his personal proper, the Mavericks roster has little firepower in comparison with the Thunder, Nuggets, and Bucks, who’ve extra expertise round their stars.
Luka Doncic has taken a lot of the offensive load together with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Irving, who’re the one gamers for the Mavericks averaging 15 factors or extra.
The Mavericks are taking part in at a 51-win tempo and when Doncic is off the court docket, there’s a huge dip in offensive manufacturing.
Even with the dearth of expertise, the Mavericks have continued to play nicely with their heliocentric offense that depends on Luka having the ability to sustain with the competitors; which could possibly be a significant component to think about when voting for MVP.
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Luka Doncic Posting MVP Stats
There’s little question that Luka Doncic is having probably the greatest seasons of his profession thus far.
Doncic is averaging a career-high 34.6 factors per recreation, main the league in scoring. He is having his finest passing season additionally with 9.8 assists, which has him ranked third within the league in assists per recreation.
His feat of averaging 34/9/8 is the third time it has been completed in NBA historical past. He is one in every of three gamers to common 30 factors, 9 assists, and eight rebounds per recreation, becoming a member of Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson.
Doncic has additionally had some big-time performances that make him very worthy of a MVP.
His career-high 73 factors in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks is arguably one of many league’s finest scoring performances this season.
Luka additionally posted 50 factors, six rebounds, 15 assists, 4 steals, and three blocks on Christmas Day in opposition to the Suns.
Improvements on Defense from Luka Doncic
One knock on Doncic’s recreation all through his profession thus far is that he could possibly be a greater defender.
Well, Luka has put in additional effort on the defensive facet of the ground this season than in earlier years.
He is averaging 1.5 steals per recreation. More importantly, he has been extra engaged on that facet of the ground.
“Because it helps my team,” Doncic mentioned.
“My team knows that everybody helps everybody be engaged when I’m engaged, so that’s why I have to continue to do that.”
Luka Doncic is certainly not a lockdown defender, however he has confirmed this 12 months that he can work laborious on that facet of the ground, giving extra gas to his MVP issues.
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