Fast start not enough for Luka Doncic to be atop MVP rankings

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic looks unstoppable right now. He has scored over 30 points in each of his first seven games. The 23-year-old is beating every defense, and showcasing improved leadership as the Mavs look to make another playoff run.

It has been a historic start. Only Wilt Chamberlain has scored 30 or more points in eight straight games to begin a season. The legendary big man did it twice, but no other player can match that feat. Doncic is leading the league in scoring and still dishing out nine assists per game with improved defense.

Luka entered the season as the MVP frontrunner, and he has been incredible in his first seven games, but the Mavericks star is not leading the NBA’s first KIA MVP ladder. Here is a look at who is, and what is giving him the advantage in the race at the start of November.

Fast start is not enough for Luka Doncic to be atop the MVP ranking

Doncic is doing everything he can, but Giannis Antetokounmpo took the top spot in the NBA’s first rankings of the season. The Bucks are undefeated, and the Greek Freak is second in scoring and rebounds per game. Milwaukee is playing without Khris Middleton, and they are still 7-0 and playing like the title favorites.

Luka’s numbers are arguably more impressive, but the Mavericks are just 4-3 to begin the season. Their advanced stats suggest they should have a better record, and Dallas is just a few plays away from being 7-0. The Bucks figure to have one of the best records in the league this season, and that could be the deciding factor in the MVP race.

Neither Doncic nor Antetokounmpo are slowing down. Luka is averaging 36.1 points per game while shooting just 23.7 percent from 3-point range after seven games. His outside shooting will improve, and the Mavericks superstar could easily average over 30 points per game for the first time in his career, but Giannis could win Defensive Player of the Year and MVP as he leads the Bucks on a historic season.

Fans can hear former Maverick J.J. Redick discuss the MVP race and Luka’s early play below.

The MVP race is already shaping up to be an epic showdown between the two superstars and others could play their way into the mix. Will Luka Doncic win his first NBA MVP honors this year? Stay tuned to see how the race plays out.