The Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic had a rough start to the season. Shots weren’t falling, fitness was lacking, and losses were piling up. It could’ve been blamed on having a new coach in Jason Kidd or a long offseason for Doncic. Either way, the Mavericks did not make excuses and found a way back. They traded co-star Kristaps Porzingis and haven’t looked back since. Much of this is attributed to Doncic’s greatness, as well as his contributions in the clutch and improved shooting. His numbers this season scream MVP-quality, but he’s also arguably the most instrumental player to his team in the league.
Luka Doncic is an MVP Candidate
The Individual Numbers
For the season Doncic is averaging roughly 28 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. On the surface level, these are elite numbers. He’s amongst the top of the league in all three categories and is very close to averaging a triple-double.
Doncic was recently awarded the NBA Western Conference Player of the Month. The numbers for the month speak for themselves. Doncic finished the month with averages of 34.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game. As popular as his stepback three is, Doncic isn’t typically a great three-point shooter. He shifted that in February, shooting 41.2 percent from deep.
The Slovenian superstar, who just turned 23-years-old, isn’t just stat-padding against bad teams. He regularly dominates great teams versus top players. The Mavericks’ last three games have all been wins. The first came versus the Golden State Warriors. Doncic put up 34 points and 11 rebounds in a heroic comeback effort. The next game was a win versus the Los Angeles Lakers where Doncic put up 25 points, eight boards, and five assists. Yes, the Lakers aren’t good. With that being said, Doncic continued to dominate LeBron James in the clutch. The most recent win was another versus the Warriors. Doncic, without a doubt, showed dominance once again putting up 41 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
He can score in a variety of ways, rebounds like a big man, and finds open teammates with ease. In addition, Doncic is much-improved on the defensive end this season.
Luka Doncic is Leading the Mavericks to a Playoff Run
Dallas sits at fifth in the Western Conference table. The team is holding a 38-25 record, which places them right behind the Utah Jazz. The Jazz, however, are currently two games in the clear. There’s plenty of time for the Mavericks to catch up to Utah, however.
Doncic’s amazing February made the Mavericks successful. They finished the month with a 7-3 record. January was great as well. Dallas finished the month with an 11-4 record. March, of course, has been solid thus far as the Mavericks have a 2-0 record. In short the last (roughly) two months sees the Mavericks with a 20-7 record.
Dallas is flying right now thanks to Doncic. His ascent started in January, although he’s been even better since the trade deadline and since not being named a starter for the All-Star game. Perhaps it was a Porzingis issue. Maybe the All-Star starters selections were a wake-up call to Doncic. Whatever it is doesn’t matter. Doncic is playing at an incredibly elite level and deserves consideration in the MVP race.
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