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NBA MVP Ladder Week 24: A new name enters the fray

By Michael Shearer

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 29: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards as Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center on March 29, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 29: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards as Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center on March 29, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – MARCH 29: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks scores with a three point shot against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at American Airlines Center on March 29, 2022 in Dallas, Texas, NBA MVP Ladder Week 24: A new name enters the fray. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

Week 24 NBA MVP Ladder: 4. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Rank last week: 4

Pts/Rebs/Asts/Stls/Blks: 28.0/9.2/8.5/1.2/0.5

FG%/3P%/FT%: 45.5/35.0/73.4

Off EPM / Def EPM: +4.1/-0.3

The Dallas Mavericks keep cruising. They are putting serious pressure on the Warriors for the third seed in the West, and Luka Doncic remains the reason why.

His all-around brilliance has particularly shined since the trade deadline, and the addition of Spencer Dinwiddie has somehow unlocked an offensive juggernaut. You don’t need to have an advanced statistical degree to understand that Luka’s 28/9/9 on the season is pretty darn good.

His game is more reminiscent of Magic Johnson than anyone in recent memory, and like Jokic, his size unlocks unique passing angles that aren’t available to smaller players.

One warning bell – Dallas’ defense has slipped recently. While young and filled with eye-popping numbers, Luka’s postseason legacy still includes exactly zero wins in the first round.

The Mavericks will need to tighten up that end of the floor to make any headway in the playoffs against likely first-round opponents in Utah or Denver, two teams designed to destroy weak defenses.

Dallas is 2-2 against Utah and 2-1 against Denver. With Jamal Murray reportedly unlikely to return to the Nuggets, the Mavericks have to be feeling a sense of urgency to claim the three-seed this season.

Doncic has firmly established himself as a down-ballot MVP candidate this season, but he needs to establish his bona fides in the playoffs to prepare for serious pursuit of the MVP trophy next year. It’s rare for players to win MVP without having had at least a modicum of playoff success in the past, and Luka has a ways to go on that front.