“ We tried to wear them during the match, but they wouldn't let us “, reports PJ Washington speaking of this unusual accessory displayed by his teammates and him, during the warm-up on the Heat floor. A simple t-shirt with two words written: “Pravi MVP”, for the “real MVP”. As it happens, Luka Doncic, and no Barbara Pravi.
A way for the Mavs to show their support for their superstar, suggesting that his candidacy would not attract as much deserved media attention. “ We knew how special this year was going to be based on our practices, based on what Luka was doing, really being more vocal, challenging his teammates, challenging me. This is the true sign of an MVP “, judges Kyrie Irving.
For the latter, the team boss's statistics speak for themselves: in addition to being the best scorer in the league (33.9 points), he is the second best passer (9.8 assists) and is even close to the triple-double average (9.2 rebounds).
Only his main competitors, Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Jayson Tatum, do not lack arguments both statistically and collectively. The three players in question also have a better team record.
European competition?
Nothing to doubt his teammate PJ Washington: “ I think his resume is better than anyone else's. I don't feel like there's any debate about anyone having a better season than him this year. We are 5th in the West, with 50 wins and he is playing the best basketball possible at the moment. So he is the MVP. »
QED? Jason Kidd thinks that his nugget could be a victim of… European competition. “ We could sometimes consider that we have enough European players at the top and that we cannot write about another one. It's true that I'm biased, but I've had the opportunity to coach Giannis, and he's great. I had the opportunity to see Jokic up close and he is great. European basketball is at its peak, we have to talk about all these players », Demands the coach.
Kyrie Irving, who recalls that Luka Doncic held the team on his shoulders when he was in the infirmary, considers that the trophy will go to him. This year or another. “ In the near future », Projects the back according to whom it is important for the Mavs to show their support for their leader.
“ Sometimes it is also a waiting period. Sometimes you have to wait and be patient to get that reward. But what I like about Luka is that it's all about winning. It's about winning a title, playing well and being consistent », recalls Jason Kidd to finish.
| Luka Doncic | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2018-19 | DAL | 72 | 32 | 42.7 | 32.7 | 71.3 | 1.2 | 6.6 | 7.8 | 6.0 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 3.4 | 0.4 | 21.2 |
| 2019-20 | DAL | 61 | 34 | 46.3 | 31.6 | 75.8 | 1.3 | 8.1 | 9.4 | 8.8 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 4.3 | 0.2 | 28.8 |
| 2020-21 | DAL | 66 | 34 | 47.9 | 35.0 | 73.0 | 0.8 | 7.2 | 8.0 | 8.6 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 4.3 | 0.6 | 27.7 |
| 2021-22 | DAL | 65 | 35 | 45.7 | 35.3 | 74.4 | 0.9 | 8.3 | 9.1 | 8.7 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 4.5 | 0.6 | 28.4 |
| 2022-23 | DAL | 66 | 36 | 49.6 | 34.2 | 74.2 | 0.8 | 7.8 | 8.6 | 8.0 | 2.5 | 1.4 | 3.6 | 0.5 | 32.4 |
| 2023-24 | DAL | 69 | 38 | 48.8 | 38.4 | 78.5 | 0.8 | 8.4 | 9.3 | 9.8 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 4.0 | 0.6 | 33.9 |
| Total | 399 | 35 | 47.0 | 34.8 | 74.7 | 1.0 | 7.7 | 8.7 | 8.3 | 2.3 | 1.2 | 4.0 | 0.5 | 28.7 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
