Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat played on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in Miami. Photo by Vernon Bryant via the Dallas Mavericks
As the NBA season winds down, the MVP race is getting evermore closer. The top two candidates for that award appear to be the league’s top Eastern European giants: Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic. In support of Doncic, the entire Mavericks team donned T-shirts embroidered with the words “Pravi MVP.”
The shirts roughly translate to “He’s the MVP” or “The Real MVP” in English, from Slovenian. The initiative was an effort to rally behind Doncic in support of him winning the MVP, something that is entirely possible despite Jokic being the slight favorite.
Clear MVP Candidate
The team wore the shirts during practice prior to the Mavs’ 111-92 win over the Heat in Miami, Florida. Doncic is a clear MVP candidate, leading the league in average points scored per game, at 33.9. He is also second in assists, averaging 9.8 per game.
Additionally, he is second in three pointers made, with 284, third in triple doubles this season (21), and ninth in steals. If he sustains those numbers, he would be the first player ever to finish with those stats.
“We all knew how special this season was going to be,” Kyrie Irving said. “We knew how special this year was going to be just based on our practices and what Luka was doing, showcasing that all the time, really being more vocal, challenging his teammates, challenging me, and doing it in his own way. And I think that’s the true sign of an MVP. Coming into the season and really initiating himself into that leadership role and doing it on both ends of the floor. His stats speak for themselves.”
Overshadowed by Jokic
Despite Luka’s otherworldly stats this season, as well as his Mavs being in a prime playoff position, his name has been somewhat overshadowed in the MVP race. While he ranks currently as one of the top candidates to win the award, Nikola Jokic still sits ahead of him. Mavs coach Jason Kidd attributes this to the effortless nature that Doncic is putting up his numbers.
“The game is too simple and too easy. He makes it look too easy, unfortunately,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “That’s what happens with some of the greats when you talk about [Michael Jordan] and those guys. You take for granted their talent. And to say he’s only 25, and he’s playing the game like no one else. We joke around that he might have to do the Larry Bird game and play left-handed. But he might make that look easy, too.”
The team admitted that they attempted to wear the shirts during the game, making the message evermore visible. However, they were not allowed.
“We were trying to wear them during the game, but they didn’t let us,” PJ Washington said. “But everybody was excited to have his shirt for sure. Credit to Luka for the season he’s had. He’s a special player and I’m just excited to be able to play with him and watch his greatness each and every night. He’s the real MVP.”
Wherever Doncic finishes in the MVP race, it will not take away from the fantastic season he and the Mavericks have had. They hope to continue the success deep into the playoffs.
