A case for Jokic feels solid, logical, devoid of controversy. Luka, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer in the MVP argument.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic dribbles against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Sunday, March 17, 2024.just turned 25 and has been a basketball curiosity since an outbreak of puberty. You might assume there’s nothing left to find out about about him. Turns out that’s not the case. Just the other day we learned he was a bartender in another life.
Luka’s got all the numbers to back his case. On course to become the first player in league history to average at least 33 points, 8 assists and 8 rebounds. Histies him this season with Jayson Tatum. According to Mark Followill, the ultimate authority on all things Maverick, players who have led or shared in that distinction have won 12 of the last 16 MVP titles.And when Kyrie Irving missed 22 games, Luka picked up the slack.
Should Luka, indeed, lose to Jokic, you couldn’t call it a travesty. He leads Luka in esoteric numbers; they’re 1-2 in the category of Player Impact Estimate. The traditional numbers lit up by the Denver magician fall in line with his first two MVP seasons. Then there’s the subtext that he got robbed last year. He’s been vetted and re-vetted. His critics, if any, are tired of arguing. A case for Jokic feels solid, logical, devoid of controversy.
Luka, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer in the MVP argument. Finished top 10 in each of the last four years but never a serious contender. Part of the problem was only once had the Mavs won anything on his watch; part is a characterization, fair or not, as a stats padder on mediocre teams. The new Russell Westbrook.Also once called out on a national telecast for his lack of conditioning. The Mavs didn’t exactly rush to his defense.
First of all, there are precious few “true point guards” left in basketball. The game has evolved. Most primary ballhandlers these days are scorers first. Did Luka pound the ball too much? Yes. But, at Kidd’s urging, he’s picked it up this year. The Mavs have gone from 28th in pace to eighth. Luka’s usage rate? Could be because of the dearth of scorers around him throughout his career. Other than Irving, that’s still the case.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
2023-24 NBA MVP odds: Jokic overwhelming favorite to hoist his third MVPThe regular season is coming to a close and there is a one-man race for the MVP. Check out the latest odds as we head down the final stretch.
Read more »
NBA MVP Rankings: Another Week of Brilliance From Nikola JokićNikola Jokić leads the NBA MVP race with another dominant week, while Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to make his case with an impressive run.
Read more »
Nikola Jokic's triple-double helps Nuggets to season sweep of Celtics with 115-109 winNikola Jokic had 32 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in leading the Denver Nuggets to a 115-109 win over Boston and a season sweep of the Celtics.
Read more »
PHOTOS: Nikola Jokic and highlights from the 2024 NBA All-Star WeekendNikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets participated in the 2024 NBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Read more »
Murray, Jokic y Porter Jr. llevan a Nuggets a paliza de 142-121 sobre JazzMichael Malone no se preocupó ni por su pívot superestrella, ni por el resultado cuando los Nuggets se enfrentaron a Utah.
Read more »