Dereck Lively II responds sharply in four words when choosing between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka DoncicShai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic (Image Credits: Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks star player Luka Doncic and Oklahoma City Thunder star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were among the finalists of the 2024 NBA Most Valuable Player Award run. However, Nikola Jokic, who was recently spotted shirtless at the Team Serbia celebration, overtook both players to win the 2024 NBA MVP award; Doncic moved up to the second spot, while Gilgeous-Alexander finished third.

Commentators have debated for a protracted time about which of the three finalists was the best. One of Doncic’s teammates recently responded to a question regarding his preference between Doncic and Shai with four audacious words.

Theo Pinson: “Who has a deeper bag? Luka or Shai?”

Dereck Lively II: “Who won that matchup?”

At a recent Nike EYBL event, former NBA player Theo Pinson asked Mavericks forward Dereck Lively II to choose between Doncic and Shai. In response, Lively mentioned that the Mavericks defeated the Thunder in the conference semifinals series in the 2023-24 NBA playoffs, explaining that Doncic is better than Shai because he beat him.

Luka Doncic vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2024 NBA Stats

The Mavericks advanced to the Conference finals after defeating the Thunder in the second-round series. However, Doncic was seen struggling against Shai due to his injuries. The Slovenian basketball player still managed to average 24.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.7 assists. On the other hand, Shai was the dominant player in that series, averaging 32.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists against the Mavericks in the second round.

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander surpassed Luka Doncic’s stats in the conference semifinals, Doncic had better overall regular season stats. According to StatMuse, the five-time NBA All-Star averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds in 70 games in the 2023-24 season and was selected to play in his fifth All-Star game. On the other hand, Shai averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds in 75 games in the 2023-24 season, and was selected to play in his second All-Star game.