NBA Playoffs MVP Power Rankings: Young guard trumps MVP winner for first place

4. Luka Doncic

Last rank: 3

The Dallas Mavericks have advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the second time in the past three seasons under Luka Doncic. After defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in six games, the Mavericks are poised to clinch their first conference title since the 2011 NBA season. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves stand in their way.

Even after knocking the first seed off, the Mavericks will face an even tougher opponent with the Timberwolves, and many fans have speculated whether or not the Mavericks can win. Everyone seems to be doubting the Mavs, and if they want any chance against the Timberwolves, Doncic will need to step up.

Outside of a handful of respectable performances in the second round, Doncic has mightily struggled in this year's NBA Playoffs. Doncic has shown life over the last few games but it's nothing compared to what fans have become accustomed to when Doncic performs in the playoffs.

Doncic has been injury-riddled throughout this season's playoffs but in the last few games against the Thunder, Doncic displayed incredible poise and looked the healthiest he has looked in over a month.

The Mavericks will be in for a rude awakening if Doncic and Kyrie Irving open the series struggling. There will be a lot of pressure on Doncic to carry his team to their first NBA Finals appearance in over a decade. If Doncic completes this near impossible task, he could be the next face of the NBA.