Luka’s Lost Chance: Why the 65‑Game Rule Matters

Dallas coach Jason Kidd has called out the NBA’s 65‑game rule, pointing to Luka Dončić’s season‑ending hamstring injury. The rule bars players who miss even one game from postseason honors, and Dončić is now ineligible for MVP or All‑NBA nods after only 64 games. He suffered the injury in a win over the Thunder, cutting short what was an MVP‑worthy run. Kidd said it hurts Dončić and others who fall into the same trap, noting that the star was “playing at a very, very high level. ” He hopes the league will revisit the policy so players aren’t left off award lists because of injury.Before the setback, Dončić had dazzled in March, scoring 37. 5 points per game on 49. 2 percent shooting across 16 contests. He was on track for All‑NBA honors and a top spot in the 2026 MVP race. Now those chances evaporate, leaving him unable to contribute during playoffs if he misses the first round. The NBA still has no clear timeline for his return, and many predict he will be out of the 2026 postseason entirely. The situation highlights a broader debate about fairness for injured players and whether the 65‑game rule should be adjusted.