The National Basketball Association is down to it’s final 20 games or so for each team. The divisional races and the postseason sports are heating up, but one thing that seems to be pretty locked down – James Harden for 2018 MVP. We likely have all seen the sick move that “The Beard” put on the hapless defender in the Wednesday win over the Clippers, but what we don’t see about Harden is his total dominance. Harden was none too pleased to finish as the runner up a season ago to Russell Westbrook, and he is ready to take matters into his own hands. If you are not for Harden winning the MVP, why? Let’s take a look at the 2018 NBA MVP Candidates:
James Harden
The Beard is leading the team with the best record in the National Basketball Association. Sure, the addition of Chris Paul has helped greatly, and the big man Clint Capela coming onto his own has been a huge help. But, Harden is scoring more than 31 points per game, dishing out just shy of 9 assists per game ,and grabbing more than 5 rebounds per game. Harden’s numbers are much like a season ago, but the 2017-2018 version seems much more dominant.
Russell Westbrook
It’s hard to count out the defending champion of the award. Westbrook is doing some amazing things once again. Oklahoma City should be better than they have been, but Carmelo Anthony has been a disappointment since coming over. Westbrook is scoring 24.9 per game, dishing out 10.3 assists per game, and ripping down just shy of 10 rebounds per game. Westbrook is scoring less than a season ago, but much of that has to do with Paul George and his ability to score.
Anthony Davis
Known as the “Brow” – Davis is coming off the best month of his NBA career. Wow – has Anthony Davis been outstanding for the New Orleans Pelicans. Davis lost his running mate DeMarcus Cousins, and has completely taken over. It appears Davis is going to put the team on his back and try to get to the postseason. Twice this season, Davis has scored 50+ in a game. He is second on scoring to Harden, with more than 28 points per game.
LeBron James
LeBron James is a guy that could win the Most Valuable Player award nearly every season. James and his Cavaliers have had an up and down season, but James continues to roll through opponents. James is scoring more than 26 points per game, and also dishing out just shy of 10 assists per game. James has seen a bunch of new teammates, yet continues to lead a Cleveland team that will still be the favorites out of the Eastern Conference.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Greek Freak continues to get the job done, and appears poised to get the Bucks back to the postseason. He is scoring more than 27 points per game, while adding more than 10 rebounds per game, and adding 1.5 blocks per game. Eric Bledsoe has been a big help in the offense for Milwaukee. Since the firing of Jason Kidd, the Greek Freak and the Bucks have been a much better defensive team.
James Harden is still our pick to win the 2018 NBA MVP, but there are some great options. It should be a great remainder to the National Basketball Association season. Enjoy the games!
