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NBA: 2018-19 mid-season leaders for each of the major awards

By Jacob Doole

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 05: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 05: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NBA
NBA Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Rookie of the Year: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

19.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals, 3.2 turnovers

Is this really a discussion? It feels harsh to brush off the other contenders – Deandre Ayton has been historically good too, among others – but Luka Doncic has been head and shoulders above all of them.

He’s first among rookies in points, second in assists and third in rebounds. More importantly, he’s having a huge impact on the results of games, something that can’t be said for most of his fellow freshman.

The Mavericks won just 24 games last season; with Doncic leading the way, they’ve already won 21 games through January 25. It’s rare for a rookie to immediately lead a team in scoring and shot attempts and for that team to see such a drastic uptick in wins.

He hasn’t shied away from the big moments either. In fact, he’s been even better in clutch situations. Across the season, Doncic has an effective field goal percentage of 50.4; in the last five minutes of games within five points, that jumps to 59.2.

Outside of the stats, he passes the eye test with flying colours. His feel for the game is extraordinary, and he always seems to be playing under control, even when being pressured.

Plus, he’s already got a signature move. How many rookies can say that?

https://twitter.com/FirstTeam101/status/1082513227639070720

Honorable mentions: DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix Suns; Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks; Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

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