“Luka Doncic cannot play defense.” That narrative took a massive hit this week. After ESPN’s Michael Wilbon recently dismissed the Lakers star’s MVP case by claiming he only plays half-court, the league’s latest defensive honors proved otherwise.

On Thursday, the NBA announced its Defensive Players of the Month for March. Among the Western Conference nominees on the official release was a name that immediately caught fans’ attention. And that name was, of course, Luka Doncic.

To no one’s surprise, Victor Wembanyama and Ausar Thompson became the DPOMs for the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively. Meanwhile, Donovan Clingan, Luka Doncic, Kris Dunn, Rudy Gobert, and Chet Holmgren were nominees from the West. On the other hand, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, and Evan Mobley were nominees from the East.

Now, as soon as the fans spotted Luka’s name on the nominees’ list, they rushed to the comment section to call out the media. According to them, the media should start watching games before passing a verdict.

Fans stand with Luka Doncic after last week’s debacle

“The don! You media frauds better start watching the games.” Now, that seems like a direct jab at Mike Wilbon. The veteran analyst sent shockwaves across the league when he said he would vote for Jaylen Brown, SGA, and Victor Wembanyama. But nothing for Doncic, why? “Don’t talk to me about a guy who plays half the court, Luka Doncic,” Wilbon said on the PTI podcast.

Another fan mocked voters and said, “77 doesn’t play defense, but he’s listed right here lmaoo media should lose their rights to voting.” At present, the 27-year-old’ DtR for the 2025-26 NBA season is approximately 113.6. This is generally considered average for a high-usage offensive star.

Others piled on the media narrative, pointing out his stats. “Luka plays no defense (says the media clowns).” Luka Doncic is averaging 1.6 steals per game. And this is one of the top records of the ongoing season.

“Since this year started, Luka’s been the best player in the world easily,” someone gave the verdict. Well, Luka Doncic is leading the league in scoring. In March, he scored a total of 600 points, and in the last game vs the Cleveland Cavaliers, he touched 15k career points.

Lastly, a fan commented, “Averaging 38 ppg for a month is absurd. Doing that while also dishing out >7 apg is insane. Doing both of those things while playing good enough defense to get votes for DPOM is absolutely wild. MVP stuff.”

Luka Doncic’s records demand respect, plain and simple. The media might still debate his MVP case, but this defensive nod gives his supporters the exact ammunition they needed. Doncic isn’t just carrying the offense, but he’s also proving that he can get stops when it matters the most, exposing the outdated narrative that surrounds him. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.