Mavericks news: Luka Doncic earns MVP votes, NBA watching changes ahead, more

The Dallas Mavericks failed to make the playoffs, but that did not stop Luka Doncic from putting up monster numbers. He averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.4 steals in 36.2 minutes per game. Doncic finished second in scoring, sixth in assists, and 19th in steals for the season as he shot a career-high 49.6 percent from the field.

The NBA announced the MVP voting on May 2, and Joel Embiid took home the honors for the first time. Doncic had finished in the top six three straight years, but he sunk to eighth after the team’s dismal season. Luka received two fourth-place votes and four fifth-place tallies.

The 24-year-old superstar entered the season as the betting favorite to win MVP for the third straight year. Doncic was even viewed as the favorite to win MVP in January before the team’s late-season collapse forced them to miss the playoffs.

More Mavericks news

Changes are coming to the way fans watch NBA games, and Callie Caplan tackled the issue (subscription required) from a Mavericks perspective. The Athletic looked at it across the NBA (subscription required).

J.J. Barea gave an interview to Mavs.com about his desire to get into NBA coaching, which is a must-read for all MFFLs. The Mavs should find a role for him next season.

NBA news

Anthony Davis had 30 points, 23 rebounds, and four blocks to lift the Lakers over the Warriors in Game 1 to steal homecourt advantage. It was an epic clash, and it promises to be a cannot miss series featuring five all-time great players.

Jalen Brunson dropped 30 to lift the Knicks to a much-needed win on Tuesday night. The series heads to Miami tied at one game apiece, and it is unclear when Jimmy Butler will return.

After winning MVP, Joel Embiid made it clear that he plans to play in Game 2 on Wednesday night. The Sixers stole Game 1 without their best player behind a vintage James Harden performance.

The Suns listed Chris Paul as day-to-day after suffering a groin injury in Game 2, but Shams Charania reported that he will miss at least one week. That puts CP3 out for Games 3 through 5, and the Suns are already down 2-0 in the series.

The Dallas Mavericks are already working on ways to upgrade their roster for next season. It is a massive summer, and the team must improve. Without it, things could get worse before they get better, so stay tuned for all the latest.