“Luka Doncic cannot play defense.” Well, maybe it’s time for that narrative to end. Last week, everyone was discussing ESPN veteran Michael Wilbon’s MVP verdict, where he stripped the Los Angeles Lakers star of the honor because he plays half-court. Maybe the analyst’s words are partially true, but the rest?

Well, the NBA’s timing remains unbeaten once again. On Thursday, they released the names of the Defensive Players of the Month (for March) for both conferences. The social media post contained a list of nominees for the honor. And guess what? Luka Doncic was one of the nominees.

To no one’s surprise, Victor Wembanyama and Ausar Thompson became the DPOMs from the Western Conference and Eastern Conference, respectively. Meanwhile, Donovan Clingan, Luka Doncic, Kris Dunn, Rudy Gobert, and Chet Holmgren were nominees from the West. On the other hand, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, and Evan Mobley were nominees from the East.

Now, as soon as the fans spotted Luka’s name on the nominees’ list, they rushed to the comment section to call out the media. According to them, the media should start watching games before passing a verdict.

Fans stand with Luka Doncic after last week’s debacle

“The don! You media frauds better start watching the games.” Now, that seems like a direct jab at Mike Wilbon. The veteran analyst sent shockwaves across the league when he said he would vote for Jaylen Brown, SGA, and Victor Wembanyama. But nothing for Doncic, why? “Don’t talk to me about a guy who plays half the court, Luka Doncic,” Wilbon said on the PTI podcast.

Another one followed similar sentiments and said, “77 doesn’t play defense, but he’s listed right here lmaoo media should lose their rights to voting.” At present, the 27-year-old’ DtR for the 2025-26 NBA season is approximately 113.6. This is generally considered average for a high-usage offensive star.

Meanwhile, someone wrote, “Luka plays no defense (says the media clowns 🤡).” Luka Doncic is averaging 1.6 steals per game. And this is one of the top records of the ongoing season.

“Since this year started, Luka’s been the best player in the world easily,” someone gave the verdict. Well, Luka Doncic is leading the league in scoring. In March, he scored a total of 600 points, and in the last game vs the Cleveland Cavaliers, he touched 15k career points.

Lastly, a fan commented, “Averaging 38 ppg for a month is absurd. Doing that while also dishing out >7 apg is insane. Doing both of those things while playing good enough defense to get votes for DPOM is absolutely wild. MVP stuff.”

Luka Doncic’s records demand respect, plain and simple. The media can debate all they want, but his presence on the Defensive Player of the Month list shuts down the critics. He scores, he creates, and he defends with purpose, and fans see it. Thus, Luka is proving he belongs in every conversation, on both ends of the floor.