{"id":26895,"date":"2019-11-06T07:00:23","date_gmt":"2019-11-06T12:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprobasketball.com\/?p=26895"},"modified":"2019-11-05T16:58:48","modified_gmt":"2019-11-05T21:58:48","slug":"luka-doncic-is-an-mvp-candidate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2019\/11\/06\/luka-doncic-is-an-mvp-candidate\/","title":{"rendered":"Luka Don\u010di\u0107 is an MVP Candidate"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a way-too-early look at NBA awards, Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/a><\/strong> is performing like one of the league’s top stars. He entered this season with All-Star aspirations, but his current play may very well lead to MVP votes. The Slovenian superstar is on a mission to lead the Dallas Mavericks<\/a> back into the playoffs and is doing so while filling up the box score in insane fashion. Don\u010di\u0107 is, without a doubt, an MVP candidate.<\/p>\n

Luka Don\u010di\u0107 in the Running for MVP<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Current Statistics<\/strong><\/h3>\n

His exact averages per game are eye-popping. In six games he’s averaging 26.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 9.5 assists on 46.4 percent shooting per game. With four wins on record so far, Don\u010di\u0107 also has the Mavericks sitting at fourth in the west.<\/p>\n

Don\u010di\u0107’s worst game this season came versus the Denver Nuggets<\/a>. He only managed to put up 12 points, five assists, and four rebounds. The fact that those “low” numbers are factored in his current averages speaks volumes on his current level of play. He’s on “triple-double alert” almost every game, in addition to scoring 25 plus points.<\/p>\n

Statement Games<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Mavericks’ game versus the New Orleans Pelicans<\/a> would’ve been a statement game for any ordinary player, but not Don\u010di\u0107. He put up 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win, but no one batted an eye.<\/p>\n

Don\u010di\u0107’s primetime game came versus the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a>. In an overtime battle that did end up in a loss, Don\u010di\u0107 put up 31 points, 15 assists, and 13 rebounds. This came versus LeBron James<\/a><\/strong>, and Don\u010di\u0107 himself even made a few defensive stops on James.<\/p>\n

Whether it came through clutch shots or astonishing alley-oop passes, Don\u010di\u0107 was all over the floor. This was noticed by James and looked like it even elevated his game. James’ post-game comments on Don\u010di\u0107 showed what the league truly thinks of the budding star.<\/p>\n

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Luka Doncic<\/a> was quite flattered by LeBron James<\/a> telling him he\u2019s a \u201cbad motherf\u2014er\u201d after their triple-double duel. pic.twitter.com\/cOtJOChMZo<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) November 2, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Mavericks were able to win their next game, albeit versus a much weaker Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a> squad. Don\u010di\u0107 secured another triple-double in the third quarter and ended the game with 29 points, 15 assists, and 14 rebounds. His tenacity and will to win did not diminish versus a weaker opponent.<\/p>\n

What’s to Come<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The season, of course, is still very young. With this being said, Don\u010di\u0107 has already shown major improvement from his rookie season, and it only helps that he’s surrounded by more talent. Don\u010di\u0107 averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and six assists per game as a rookie last season. The fact that he’s already a lot better than that speaks volumes on his current ability and seemingly limitless potential.<\/p>\n

As\u00a0Kristaps Porzingis<\/a><\/strong> continues to find his footing as well, the Mavericks will only become better. The one-two punch between the two European stars should become one of the best in the league. In addition, rising players like\u00a0Dwight Powell<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0Jalen Brunson<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0Seth Curry<\/a><\/strong>, and more are developing strong chemistry and bond with their star player. Don\u010di\u0107 has the individual tools to bring the Mavericks back to the playoffs, and perhaps a bit more. The league is on notice, and the Don\u010di\u0107 MVP campaign is real.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>