NBA Rules Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham Eligible for Awards After 65-Game Challenge
The NBA has ruled that Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham successfully challenged the 65-game rule for major postseason awards. The league sent official ballots for 2025-26 honors following the decision. Voter Tim Bontemps shared his MVP and Defensive Player of the Year rankings, highlighting top performers like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembany
timesofindia.indiatimes.comNBA Eligibility Ruling
ESPN reported that the NBA ruled on Thursday that Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham successfully challenged the 65-game rule for major postseason awards.
The league sent its official ballots for 2025-26 honors after the NBA ruling. m.
Award Categories and Voter Details
The list of honors consists of seven individual end-of-season awards: Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Clutch Player of the Year.
The list of honors also includes three All-NBA teams, two All-Defense units, and two All-Rookie squads. Tim Bontemps is one of 100 voters for the NBA awards.
MVP Ballot Rankings
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is ranked first on Tim Bontemps' MVP ballot.
Nikola Jokic is ranked second on Tim Bontemps' MVP ballot. Victor Wembanyama is ranked third on Tim Bontemps' MVP ballot, Luka Doncic is ranked fourth, and Cade Cunningham is ranked fifth. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drove the Thunder to 64 wins during the 2025-26 season.
Jokic led the NBA in rebounds and assists per game during the 2025-26 season and averaged a triple-double for a second consecutive season. Jokic played 2,265 minutes during the 2025-26 season. Victor Wembanyama averaged 25 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks per game during the 2025-26 season.
The Spurs outscored their opponents by 17 points per 100 possessions with Wembanyama on the court during the 2025-26 season. 5 during the 2025-26 season.
Doncic led the league in 30-point games with 28 and in 40-point games with 14 during the 2025-26 season.
Defensive Player Rankings
Victor Wembanyama is ranked first on Tim Bontemps' Defensive Player of the Year ballot.
Chet Holmgren is ranked second on Tim Bontemps' Defensive Player of the Year ballot. Rudy Gobert is ranked third on Tim Bontemps' Defensive Player of the Year ballot. Wembanyama led the league in blocks during the 2025-26 season and led the league in combined steals and blocks during the 2025-26 season.
Holmgren anchored the league's best defense in Oklahoma City during the 2025-26 season.
Story Timeline
6 events- 2026-04-17
NBA ruled that Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham successfully challenged the 65-game rule for major postseason awards.
1 sourceESPN - 2026-04-17
The league sent its official ballots for 2025-26 honors after the NBA ruling.
1 sourceESPN - 2025-26 Season
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drove the Thunder to 64 wins.
1 sourceESPN - 2025-26 Season
Nikola Jokic led the NBA in rebounds and assists per game and averaged a triple-double for a second consecutive season.
1 sourceESPN - 2025-26 Season
Victor Wembanyama averaged 25 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks per game, leading the league in blocks and combined steals and blocks.
1 sourceESPN - 2025-26 Season
Luka Doncic led the league in points per game with 33.5, in 30-point games with 28, and in 40-point games with 14.
1 sourceESPN
Potential Impact
- 01
Enhanced media focus on top performers' stats in postseason discussions.
- 02
Increased competition for MVP award with Doncic and Cunningham now eligible.
- 03
Broader recognition for players like Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander in All-NBA teams.
- 04
Potential shift in voting outcomes for Defensive Player of the Year due to Wembanyama's highlighted stats.
- 05
Influence on future challenges to the 65-game rule based on this precedent.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
Al JazeeraNJ Transit Sets $150 Round-Trip Train Fares for World Cup Fans to MetLife Stadium
New Jersey Transit confirmed $150 round-trip train fares from New York City to MetLife Stadium for 2026 World Cup matches, citing costs of $62 million for fan transport. Governor Mikie Sherrill stated the increase prevents burdening state commuters, while FIFA expressed surprise…
abcnews.go.comFormer Angels Outfielder Garret Anderson Dies at 53 After Medical Emergency
Garret Anderson, a three-time All-Star and Angels Hall of Famer, died on Thursday after a medical emergency at his home in Newport Beach, California. He spent most of his 17-year MLB career with the Angels, collecting 2,368 hits and helping the team win the 2002 World Series. The…
NewsweekSue Bird and Megan Rapinoe Announce Separation After Decade Together
Retired athletes Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe have announced their separation after 10 years as a couple. They shared a joint statement expressing mutual respect and gratitude for their shared experiences. The announcement also noted the end of their joint podcast, A Touch More.