Overview
- The NBA named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic as MVP finalists this week, leaving Luka Doncic out.
- JJ Redick said he was disappointed by the result and argued that a lack of sustained media momentum hurt Doncic’s case.
- Doncic led the league with 33.5 points per game and won Western Conference Player of the Month in January and March during a 15–2 March run for the Lakers.
- He suffered a grade 2 hamstring strain in early April and missed the final five games, which left him at 64 games played as the NBA later granted award eligibility despite the usual 65-game minimum.
- Many voters emphasized defense and team on-court rating, areas where the three finalists graded higher than Doncic, which helps explain why his scoring lead did not translate into a finalist nod.