Mavericks news: Luka Doncic falls on MVP ladder, All-Star voting update, more

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic has been the hottest player in the NBA over the last three weeks, but that did not stop him from sliding to fourth in the latest Kia MVP ladder. Kevin Durant vaulted to third after leading the Nets on a since-snapped 12-game winning streak.

Since Dec. 23, Doncic is averaging 41.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, while shooting 52.8 percent from the field and 38.2 percent on his threes. The Mavericks are 6-1 during that stretch, despite playing without three key rotation players. Doncic has three 50-point games and never before accomplished 60-point 20-rebound triple-double during that stretch. No player has been better.

The MVP race is shaping up to be one for the ages. Jayson Tatum, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Ja Morant, and Donovan Mitchell all figure to join Doncic and Durant in the hunt this season. All eight are putting up video game numbers, and it could come down to which team wins the most games. It will be something to watch closely as the regular season progresses.

More Mavericks news

The NBA released the first fan voting returns for the All-Star game on Jan. 5, and Luka Doncic already has 2.3 million votes. He is second among Western Conference guards behind Stephen Curry and fifth overall in the balloting. Mavericks fans need to get out and vote for the 23-year-old if they want him to start in the All-Star game on Feb. 19.

Fan voting only accounts for 50 percent of the starter selection. The players and media each get 25 percent, and Doncic expects to perform well in both categories.

Fred VanVleet jumped on The Old Man and the Three podcast with former Mavericks J.J. Redick where they discussed the best way to guard Luka. It was a fascinating conversation with clearly no correct answer.

ESPN’s Zach Lowe beautifully put Luka Doncic’s brilliance into words in his latest 10 things column, which is a must-read for all MFFLs.

NBA news

The Lakers are signing former Mavericks wing Sterling Brown to a ten-day contract. He has played with the Raptors 905 in the G League this season, but he spent last season playing off the bench in Dallas.

Lauri Markkanen scored 49 points on 15 of 27 shooting from the field as the Jazz defeated the Houston Rockets on Thursday night. The 25-year-old is having a breakout season in Utah, and he deserves All-Star consideration.

The Dallas Maverick have a difficult back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday as they host the Pelicans before traveling to Oklahoma City Thunder to take on the Thunder. Luka Doncic had an off night against the Celtics on Dec. 5. Can he get back on track? Will Dallas get back in the win column? Be sure to tune in to find out.