Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is in the midst of another legendary season and is definitely in the MVP conversation.
The five-time All-Star currently averages 34.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game while shooting 49.4% from the field and 38.0% from three.
It's no doubt that Doncic has built a solid case to be MVP this season. He continues to be one of the best players in the league and has played at an MVP level all season so far.
Luka Doncic Shows his Value on Mavs
No player has been valuable to their team quite like Luka Doncic has been to the Dallas Mavericks.
Luka and the Mavericks are currently 34-28 as we approach the last quarter of the season. Compared to other candidates in the race, Doncic and the Mavs have a significantly worse record than other 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 own right, the Mavericks roster has little firepower compared to the Thunder, Nuggets, and Bucks, who have more talent around their stars.
Luka Doncic has taken most of the offensive load along with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Irving, who are the only players for the Mavericks averaging 15 points or more.
The Mavericks are playing at a 51-win pace and when Doncic is off the court, there is a massive dip in offensive production.
Even with the lack of talent, the Mavericks have continued to play well with their heliocentric offense that relies on Luka being able to keep up with the competition; which could be a major factor to consider when voting for MVP.
Related Article: Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a Crack at NBA MVP
Luka Doncic Posting MVP Stats
There's no doubt that Luka Doncic is having one of the best seasons of his career so far.
Doncic is averaging a career-high 34.6 points per game, leading the league in scoring. He is having his best passing season also with 9.8 assists, which has him ranked third in the league in assists per game.
His feat of averaging 34/9/8 is the third time it has been done in NBA history. He is one of three players to average 30 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds per game, joining Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson.
Doncic has also had some big-time performances that make him very worthy of a MVP.
His career-high 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks is arguably one of the league's best scoring performances this season.
Luka also posted 50 points, six rebounds, 15 assists, four steals, and three blocks on Christmas Day against the Suns.
Improvements on Defense from Luka Doncic
One knock on Doncic's game throughout his career so far is that he could be a better defender.
Well, Luka has put in more effort on the defensive side of the floor this season than in previous years.
He is averaging 1.5 steals per game. More importantly, he has been more engaged on that side of the floor.
"Because it helps my team," Doncic said.
"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 by no means a lockdown defender, but he has proven this year that he can work hard on that side of the floor, giving more fuel to his MVP considerations.
Related Article: Chiefs Chris Jones Could Hit NFL Free Agency, Where Will He Go?
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.