We’re all used to seeing Luka Doncic playing at a high level, but his start to the 2023-2024 NBA Season is on another level.
Through three games, Doncic is averaging a near 40-point triple-double (39.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists) on pretty solid shooting numbers (55.6/48.6/70.4 shooting splits). More importantly, the Dallas Mavericks are 3-0 in this brief, yet notable stretch.
By this time, everyone in the NBA knows who Doncic is and what he brings to the table, but the Slovenian continues to mesmerize opponents and fans alike. The winless Memphis Grizzlies may be short-handed, but they still have some firepower to remain competitive. However, they were no match for Doncic and the Mavericks.
The Grizzlies must’ve had some optimism when they held a 38-30 lead a minute into the second quarter. That optimism, though, was short-lived as Doncic picked and probed the Memphis defense.
A lot of adjectives get thrown around when it comes to the discourse surrounding Doncic. Amazing, jaw-dropping, and magnificent are just some examples and the common theme among all of them is that each describes a moment that tops the other.
All of this, though, begs the question of whether or not this is the season when Doncicwill finally win his elusive MVP award. Current circumstances are in his favor as the award can be unfairly tagged with allegations of voter fatigue and the fragility that comes with Joel Embiid’s season outlook. Doncichas surprisingly never won the award, but this season may be his best chance thus far given his strong start and the confidence he has in his team.
The follow-up question then is can he sustain this level of production? Maybe not but who can during a long season? However, unlike his peers, you can’t count out Doncicfrom doing his best to keep the same energy. He is, after all, a walking triple-double in an environment that makes it all the more easier to do so. One would think that Doncic’s stint in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup would have him entering in shape with some wear, but it looks like we’re seeing the continuation of his all-world play, which saw him lead the tournament in scoring and earn All-FIBA World Cup Team honors.
It would, however, be interesting to see if Doncic can hit the 70-game mark for the first time since his rookie year. Whether it was an 82-game season or a pandemic-shortened one, the 24-year old has always played within the 60-game range and Doncic being in arguably the best shape if his NBA career should change that for the better. Besides, to be the MVP, he now has to play at least 65 games.
Luka Doncic’s stellar start to the 2023-2024 NBA Season has raised the MVP chatter to levels not seen since many were discussing his pre-draft potential. The award is ripe for the taking for The award is ripe for the taking and Doncicand with the way his season started, who can blame them for stoking the flames?
