NBA MVP Ladder Week 23: Injuries clouding the picture

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 30: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is defended by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on January 30, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 19: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 19, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina, NBA MVP Ladder Week 23: Injuries clouding the picture. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Week 22 NBA MVP Ladder: 4. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Rank last week: HM

Pts/Rebs/Asts/Stls/Blks: 27.9/9.1/8.6/1.2/0.6

FG%/3P%/FT%: 45.3/34.4/73.5

Off EPM / Def EPM: +3.9/+0.0

Doncic has finally cooled off a bit from his torrid pace after the Porzingis trade. He’s had games of 17, 37, and 15 points in the last three matches and two poor shooting efforts surrounding his strong performance against the hapless Charlotte Hornets.

But his overall body of work continues to impress, and the Mavericks look primed to snag a four or five seed. The third-seeded Warriors’ decline without Stephen Curry makes it hard to predict who a potential opponent would be in the first round.

Regardless, Doncic needs to get a playoff win. He’s been a popular preseason pick for MVP two years running now, but playoff success this season could be important to his pole position for next season’s MVP race.

This version of Doncic could well be good enough to snare the trophy next season. Dallas seems likely to return a similar team next year. It’s clear that the current core is good enough to compete from the get-go, thanks to Luka’s all-around excellence.