Luka Doncic ascends in NBA MVP rankings after astonishing performance vs. Suns

The Dallas Mavericks Superstar guard/forward Luka Doncic continues to put up historic numbers in his young career.

Unfortunately for him, due to his team’s lack of success, it has often times left him out of the top of the NBA’s MVP race. For instance, last season, Luka averaged 32.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game, just to be 8th in MVP voting. This season, he’s upped all three categories, and the Mavericks appear to be a much better all-around team.

Luka Doncic’s MVP Campaign

Luka Doncic this season:

34.3 PPG
8.8 RPG
9.6 APG
1.5 SPG
49.2 FG%

The Mavs are 33-23. MVP? pic.twitter.com/hoUfgKCk9q

— NBA World (@NBAW0RLD24) February 23, 2024

Just two weeks ago, Luka Doncic’s MVP odds were around (+2000), depending on which sportsbook you were using. I actually placed my Luka MVP future through BetMGM last week and got it at (+1200) odds. I’m not saying he’s for sure going to win it, but ever since Joel Embiid went down with an injury, you could make a legitimate case for like 5 players.

With Nikola Jokic as the current favorite (-125), the term “voter fatigue” could certainly play a factor. You combine that belief with another one being that the MVP is a “narrative-based” award; perhaps we see a new face hoisting the hardware this year.

If you’ve followed the Mavericks at all this year you will know that injuries all across the roster have hindered their season big time. Yet despite that, Luka has put the time on his back, and they currently hold a 33-23 record and only trail the Nuggets by 3.5 games for the 4th seed in the crowded western conference.

Obviously, his averages are impressive, but one performance stands out among others, and that’s Doncic’s 73-point game against the Hawks, which required every ounce of production from the Slovenian superstar.

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Luka commands offensive gravity rivaled only by the elite ranks of Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, and Giannis Antetokounmpo in this era. Facing constant double-teams, he consistently delivers jaw-dropping performances on a nightly basis.

Opposing teams deal with the dilemma of centering their defense on Doncic or containing his supporting cast. Yet, he effortlessly navigates double teams, handling defensive schemes with the seasoned poise of someone who’s seen it all a billion times.

Luka’s MVP chances will be heavily dependent on the Maverick’s ability to climb up among the top seeds in the West. Their 123-113 win over the Phoenix Suns, along with the now seven-game winning streak, have only increased Doncic’s chances of winning the award. Luka finished with 41 points, 11 assists and 9 rebounds. With that win, the Mavs now have the tiebreaker over the Suns and would have the higher seed if they finish with the same record at the end of the season.

With seven straight wins, the Dallas Mavericks have moved out of the play-in tournament and are currently the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Dallas only trails the New Orleans Pelicans by one game for the 5th seed.

Unfortunately, the path doesn’t get any easier for the Mavericks as they play the Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics as a part of a four-game road trip. But, like I said earlier, the standings matter, as well as the narrative, and if Luka can make a statement during this stretch, it only helps his chances at winning MVP.