Luka Doncic currently stands as one of the premier players in the NBA, positioning himself as a potential future MVP awardee. While it’s plausible that he could secure the MVP title in the upcoming season, given his Tier 1 ranking alongside Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic in our recent Tiers ranking, and his third-place position in the latest MVP Ranking, trailing only Embiid and Jokic, the path to victory requires strategic moves from both Doncic and the Mavericks. There are a few key factors that could propel Luka Doncic to clinch the 2024 MVP award.
In his quest for the MVP title, Doncic is likely to face stiff competition from formidable contenders such as Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The current narrative suggests that Giannis may not be considered among the top three favorites for the MVP Award, as he benefits from a superteam dynamic with Damian Lillard on the Bucks.
Luka Doncic Must Win The Scoring Title
In the quest for the 2024 MVP Award, securing the scoring title emerges as Luka Doncic‘s unequivocal top priority. With an impressive season stat line boasting 33.5 points, 9.4 assists, and 8.5 rebounds, Doncic has firmly established himself as a formidable force on the court. However, the key to MVP contention lies in outshining rivals Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic in the scoring department.
As of now, Joel Embiid leads the league with an impressive 35.0 points per game, making him a formidable obstacle on Doncic’s path to MVP glory. Winning the scoring title not only signifies individual excellence but also serves as a strategic move to dethrone Embiid, who clinched the title twice in a row and went on to claim the MVP crown last season. Doncic’s pursuit of the scoring title is not just about personal achievement; it’s a calculated step to eliminate a fierce competitor from the MVP race.
The numbers speak volumes, and with Doncic ranking second in scoring, the gap is narrow but surmountable. To secure the MVP accolade, Doncic must elevate his scoring game even further, surpassing Embiid and leaving an indelible mark on the league. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Luka Doncic as he strives to transform his scoring prowess into a tangible MVP title, leaving his mark on the league and etching his name in the annals of basketball greatness.
The Mavericks Must Improve Their Regular Season Record
In the pursuit of the MVP Award, one crucial factor stands out — the Dallas Mavericks must significantly enhance their regular season record. As of now, the Mavericks find themselves at 18-12, holding the 5th spot in the competitive Western Conference. To solidify Doncic’s MVP candidacy, they need to surpass both the Denver Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers in the race for a superior win-loss record.
Comparatively, the Nuggets boast a commendable record of 22-10, securing the 2nd position in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Sixers, standing at 20-9, hold the 3rd spot in the Eastern Conference. To establish Luka Doncic as the frontrunner for the MVP title, the Mavericks must outshine both these teams in the regular season standings.
The MVP race is not solely an individual pursuit; team success plays a pivotal role in shaping voters’ perceptions. A more impressive regular season record for the Mavericks would not only elevate their standing in the Western Conference but also emphasize Doncic’s influence in steering his team to success. As the season unfolds, each game becomes a crucial opportunity for the Mavericks to climb the standings and position themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
In the grand scheme of MVP contention, Luka Doncic’s brilliance must not only shine individually but also reflect in the Mavericks’ collective success. With an improved regular season record, Doncic’s MVP aspirations will undoubtedly gain momentum, further solidifying his claim to the award.
Luka Doncic Must Win Big Games
A critical aspect of Luka Doncic’s path to securing the 2024 MVP Award lies in his performance in high-stakes matchups, especially against formidable opponents like Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Winning these duels is not only about securing victories but also about outshining his rivals and steering the narrative in his favor.
In two face-offs against Nikola Jokic this season, Luka Doncic showcased his prowess, averaging an impressive 36.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists. While the Mavericks may have lost both games, Doncic’s individual brilliance was undeniable, notching 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists in the first encounter and 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists in the second. In contrast, Jokic posted averages of 20.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists in those matchups, solidifying Doncic’s claim to winning the individual duel.
Versus Giannis Antetokounmpo, despite a stellar performance of 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists, the Bucks emerged victorious with Giannis recording an impressive 40 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists stat line. While the team result may not have favored Doncic, his individual performance underscored his ability to compete at the highest level.
With Joel Embiid yet to be faced this season, the spotlight intensifies on future matchups. Winning these crucial games against top-tier competitors is not just about securing victories but also about Doncic asserting his dominance and shaping the narrative in his favor. As the season progresses, each duel becomes a pivotal moment for Luka Doncic to not only lead his team to victory but to outshine his rivals and strengthen his bid for the MVP crown.
Who Is The Favorite For The 2024 MVP Award And Where Does Luka Doncic Stand?
As the 2024 NBA season unfolds, the race for the MVP Award is already heating up, with Joel Embiid emerging as the current frontrunner. Embiid’s remarkable performance, averaging 35 points per game, combined with the Philadelphia 76ers’ impressive record, positions him as the leading candidate. Following closely is Nikola Jokic, who, as the reigning MVP, continues to display an exceptional level of play, making him the second-biggest favorite in the race. Both Embiid and Jokic currently hold an edge over Luka Doncic, but the dynamics of the race are subject to change.
Crucial to Luka Doncic’s chances is the performance of the Dallas Mavericks, as they vie for a superior regular season record. If Doncic can lead his team to surpass the records of Embiid’s 76ers and Jokic’s Nuggets, it could be a game-changer in the MVP narrative. Additionally, should Luka outscore Embiid and potentially edge closer to or even surpass his remarkable 35 points per game, the conversation around the MVP Award could take a dramatic turn in Doncic’s favor.
It’s important to keep an eye on Giannis Antetokounmpo as well. While currently considered a dark horse, Giannis’s chances hinge on the Milwaukee Bucks securing the best record in the league. The former NBA champions will need to dominate the competition for Giannis to be a serious contender for the MVP Award.
