Luka Doncic makes feelings known on forgoing MVP campaign

Luka Doncic did not play against the LA Clippers in back-to-back games on Thursday and Saturday. The Dallas Mavericks ended the mini-series with a 1-1 record despite their MVP candidate watching from the sidelines. Doncic has now missed eight games due to heel and wrist injuries.

He is in danger of missing the NBA’s top awards if he can’t meet the minimum 65-game requirement. Following an interview with Doncic, 24UR — a Slovenian news portal — wrote (translated from Slovenian):

“As he (Doncic) says, he doesn't even think about it, he is completely focused on the main (and only) goal this season - the fight for the championship title.”

The five-time All-Star took the fifth spot in the NBA’s latest MVP leaderboard, his first appearance on the list this season. Despite sitting out two games against the Clippers, Doncic remains in contention to move up the rankings. In Doncic’s last game before sitting out with a heel contusion, he led the Mavs to a 143-113 win over the Golden State Warriors with a 45 point triple-double.

Doncic added in the interview with 24UR that his injuries have been “small problems” that he would prefer to deal with early in the season.

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Luka Doncic has led the Dallas Mavericks’ surge since mid-November.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (right) shoots against Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) - Source: Imagn

The Dallas Mavericks struggled early to start the season. Luka Doncic’s wrist injury was a big reason the Mavericks had a 5-7 record by November 14. Since then, they have gone 13-3 to improve their win-loss card to 18-10 which places them fourth in the Western conference.

Over his last 15 games, Doncic is averaging 29.5 points, 8.9 assists, 8.6 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game. He is shooting 48.7%, including 37.5% from deep. The Slovenian is finding his rhythm, prompting the NBA to recognize his performances with a spot in the top 5 of the MVP ladder.