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Luka Doncic’s Injury Scare Rocks Mavs Nation, After Controversial Actions at the Kings Game

Published 03/31/2024, 2:31 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The Dallas Mavericks have finally found their groove. Following a mid-season dip in form and performances, the Mavs are motoring towards their goal of achieving a guaranteed playoff spot. In fact, they are currently on a six-game winning streak. The Mavs’ stellar late season performances have catapulted them to the 6th spot in the Western Conference standings, with less than 10 regular season games remaining.

Their most recent win against fellow playoff hopefuls the Sacramento Kings was particularly impressive. In a fiercely competitive match, the Mavs secured a remarkable win by a scoreline of 107-103. Of course, Luka Doncic played an instrumental role by recording 26 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds. However, the Mavs Nation received a troubling update following the match, as knee soreness could potentially sideline Luka for at least a few games.

Luka Doncic seemed to have injured his right knee with 36 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Doncic went straight to the locker room during the half-time break. According to Locked on Mavericks’ Nick Angstadt, Luka kicked a chair out of frustration. He said, “Luka goes into half-time and he’s limping into the locker room. And Matt Goerge says that he saw him (Luka) kick a chair with his left leg on the way in.” Doncic received the treatment he needed at half-time because he managed to play 41 minutes during the game. He even clapped back at former Kings GM Vlade Divac after making a decisive free throw that sealed the win for Mavs.

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However, the Mavericks have listed Luka Doncic as questionable for tonight’s crunch game against rivals, the Houston Rockets, because of knee soreness. The absence of Doncic would definitely have an adverse impact on the Mavs, especially after he has put together one of the most statistically dominant seasons in recent memory.

Does Luka Doncic deserve the 2024 MVP award?

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It’s safe to suggest that Luka Doncic has firmly established himself as one of the best players in the modern NBA. His otherworldly ability to score from anywhere on the court has earned him plaudits from fans and analysts, and earned him respect from fellow NBA players. However, his performances during the 2023-24 season have reached a completely different level.

Luka has averaged 33.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game this season. Other than Luka Doncic, Nate Archibald during the 1972-73 season remains the sole player in NBA history to have averaged over 33 points and 9 assists per game throughout an NBA season.

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USA Today via Reuters

However, despite his remarkable season, Luka Doncic remains the third favorite to win the MVP award. Bookmakers in Vegas have Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ahead of him. Mavs fans and supporters of Doncic can only ponder what else Luka could do to secure the award. Is Doncic worthy of the 2024 MVP award? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by:

Dushyant Singh

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Dushyant Singh is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. Ever since the Lakers’ Orlando Bubble victory, he has maintained a vigilant eye on the NBA with his research-heavy perspective, along with a specialization in covering predictive lineups. He keenly observes the evolving narratives that unfold each season.
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Edited by:

Bilal Handoo