Luka lightin' it up at an arena near you

The Dallas Mavericks are one of the NBA's hottest teams, winners in eight of their last 10 games. The team's rise and Luka's play has him on the cusp of re-entering the league MVP conversation

There are plenty of metrics out there to let an NBA player know when they’ve really made it.

One of them is having your name dropped in a hip-hop song.

I’m so lit, SportsCenter gotta post my clips

One lay-up and they treat me like Luka Doncic

Even before rapper YG featuring J Cole gave Doncic props in the hip-hop hit, Scared Money, Doncic’s status as one of the best ballers in the NBA was obvious.

But what we have seen lately is Doncic take both his game and that of the Mavericks, to another level which is why they are among this week’s Super 7 teams.

Dallas is currently fifth in the NBA, having won eight of their last 10 games.

The success of the Mavericks has not only elevated the team in the Western Conference standings, but it has also thrust Doncic back into the league MVP conversation.

For now, big men Joel Embiid of Philadelphia and reigning league MVP Nikola Jokic of Denver, are the front-runners for the NBA’s most coveted individual honor.

But history tells us that the run of big men of late, won’t last.

A player 6-foot-10 or taller has won the award each of the last three years.

The last time the league had four consecutive league MVPs that were 6-foot-consecutive10 or taller, came in the 1960s when Wilt Chamberlain (1960) and Bill Russell (1961-1963) won the award covering four consecutive seasons.

Here are this week’s Super Seven teams.

1. Phoenix (56-14)

The Suns continue to find ways to win without their most important player, Chris Paul. Success without him only bodes well for their chances at being the last team standing when all is said and done.

2. Miami (46-24)

Spacing the floor remains a top priority for the Heat because of what it means to a team that relies heavily on the 3-point shot. And why shouldn’t they? Miami is shooting a league-best 37.4 percent on 3-pointers this season.

3. Memphis (48-22)

Ja Morant is exciting to watch, but this Grizzlies team isn’t that far removed from the defensive grind-it-out brand of basketball they’re known for. Memphis’ defensive rating (108.8) ranks seventh in the league.

4. Boston (42-28)

As we get closer to the finish line of the regular season, don’t be surprised if the Celtics and their league-leading defense has two players - Marcus Smart and Robert Williams - named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team.

5. Milwaukee (46-26)

A tough team to beat home or on the road, the Bucks are one of just six teams in the NBA with at least 20 wins at home and 20 wins on the road thus far this season.

6. Philadelphia (42-26)

Things have cooled off a bit since the James Harden trade, but the Sixers remain a legit threat in the East courtesy of Joel Embiid who continues to play at a league-MVP level.

7. Mavs (43-26)

They’ve done a much better job of late when it comes to not letting mistakes made hurt them. In Dallas’ last 10 games, they are giving up 14.3 points off turnovers which is tied for the fewest points allowed in that span.