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An exhausted Luka Doncic must have sat comfortably in his car, hoping to reach the airport or hotel after another blockbuster night. A nap was everything he needed. But as he was leaving the arena, he heard chants. Fans were crowding the street to get a glimpse of the superstar, with one message on their lips: “MVP! MVP!”

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A 47-second TikTok clip from user @mike.leslie is circulating online. It captured the moment when the Slovenian star received love from fans on the street. Basketball fans huddled up, making noise and chanting for the Most Valuable Player of the season. Meanwhile, Luka stopped his car and signed autographs while the MVP chants continued.

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Luka Doncic is making his MVP case stronger with every game. Across the last 10 games, the 27-year-old averaged 39.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.4 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 4.0 turnovers in 38.3 minutes. He shot 47.3% from the field (131/277), 37.4% from three (52/139), and 77.8% from the line (77/99), showcasing elite scoring volume with strong all-around production and efficiency despite a heavy offensive workload.

Doncic is torching the league in scoring, averaging 33.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists while shooting 47.4% overall and 36.4% from deep. Moreover, the Los Angeles Lakers sit at 47-26, fueled by a 13-2 surge with Doncic driving the engine.

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His impact stretches beyond scoring, as sharper defensive energy now complements his offense, turning numbers into wins. On March 19, 2026, in Houston, Luka hit a rare feat: he reached 100 points in the last 24 hours, with 40 of those coming in that game. He also delivered a 60-point performance at Kaseya Center against the Miami Heat, where the road crowd chanted “MVP! MVP!”

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“It was pretty impressive, especially away game in Miami, you hear the whole crowd chanting MVP,” he told the media after the game. “I think every player wants to hear. So, I got little goosebumps. So, it was pretty special.” At the same time, he also slammed the media for not being in the MVP contention. Luka said, “That’s you guys, media. I ain’t got nothing to do with that.”

Now, interestingly enough, ESPN legend Michael Wilbon believes that Luka isn’t an MVP candidate for this season. And what’s his logic of argument?

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Michael Wilbon throws shade at Luka Doncic’s MVP case

Speaking on Pardon the Interruption, Wilbon revealed his picks—while taking a clear jab at Luka Doncic along the way.

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“I have a vote in this. And I will tell you it’s tightened up. My vote, and I’m not even sure the order. I think it’s Jaylen Brown one, I think it’s SGA two, and I think it’s Victor three. And then don’t talk to me about a guy who plays half the court, Luka Doncic,” the ESPN legend said.

That closing remark hits differently. It shifts the debate from output to optics. Because if you’ve actually watched Luka this season, the eye test and the stats both make it hard to justify brushing him aside so casually.

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For context on Wilbon’s picks:

  • Jaylen Brown has been a key contributor for the Boston Celtics, one of the league’s top teams.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has posted an elite two-way season for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
  • Victor Wembanyama has delivered historic production for the San Antonio Spurs in his young career.

So when Wilbon says “half the court,” you see where the argument begins. The knock on Luka has long centered on defense—effort, consistency, engagement—and it’s trailed him for years. However, this season, that storyline feels less clear-cut. He’s looked more involved, more in sync, and the Lakers’ recent run mirrors that shift.

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It’s safe to say that Luka Doncic is making ripples in the MVP debate this time. He is solidifying his case with every game. Especially after his 43-point night in the Lakers’ 137-130 win against the Pacers on Wednesday, Luka is adding his name among the elites.

He is the only player since Michael Jordan in 1986 to average over 40 points in six consecutive road games, finishing a notable road stretch with 40.7 points per game. And that achievement matters.

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Written by

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Adrija Mahato

2,428 Articles

Adrija Mahato is a Senior Basketball Writer at EssentiallySports, leading live NBA coverage and specializing in breaking news and major developments. With experience covering both basketball and Formula 1, she brings cross-sport agility and a steady newsroom presence to her reporting. As part of the EssentiallySports' Journalistic Excellence Program, a professional development initiative where writers are trained by industry experts to enhance their reporting and editorial skills, Adrija delivers speed and class. As a tech graduate, Adrija has a strong understanding of basketball analytics, which she incorporates into her storytelling to provide deeper insights. Over the past year, her standout NBA coverage includes the aftermath of Team USA’s run at the Paris 2024 Olympics, standout performances by LeBron James and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, key trades involving the Celtics and Warriors, Jayson Tatum’s record-setting game, and features such as her exploration of Carmelo Anthony’s career and what defines greatness without a championship.

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Tanay Sahai

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