Luka Doncic Ineligible for MVP Under NBA’s 65-Game Rule

The Dallas Mavericks star's injury troubles have sidelined him for too many games, ending his MVP and All-NBA eligibility for the season.

Luka Doncic has been disqualified from MVP and All-NBA consideration due to the NBA's rule requiring players to appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for individual awards.
Doncic has played only 22 games this season and will miss his 17th game in the Mavericks' matchup against the Denver Nuggets, making it mathematically impossible for him to meet the threshold.
The Slovenian star has been sidelined since suffering a left calf strain during a December 25 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with his recovery timeline still uncertain.
Despite the setback, Doncic remains eligible to sign a supermax contract extension in the 2025 offseason, potentially the largest in NBA history, due to his prior All-NBA honors.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd emphasized the team's focus on ensuring Doncic's health for a potential playoff run, downplaying the loss of individual accolades in favor of championship aspirations.