NBA race (or chase?) for the MVP
With only a few games left in the regular season, it's time to start seriously considering individual awards. The most coveted and continuously debated award, of course being the MVP. Towards the end of the 2012-13 NBA season, Kevin Durant made headlines appearing on the cover of a Sports Illustrated issue, stating "I'm tired of being second…I'm done with it" and he certainly has not disappointed us this season. Durant, of course, was referring to the ongoing comparison between himself and fellow NBA star, Lebron James.
Now, the reason I say this year's MVP award is more of a chase rather than a race is because I believe it is undoubtedly deserved by one player more so this season than seasons in recent past. The award is given to the 'most valuable player' to a given team and Durant sacrifices more for his team than any other player in the league. At the start of the season, fans highly anticipated the return of fellow Thunder teammate and floor general, Russell Westbrook, back from a season-ending injury suffered in the playoffs a year prior. Unfortunately, Westbrook's return to the court was seemingly rushed as he injured the same knee after having only been back 26 games. In Westbrook's absence, Kevin Durant has lifted the Thunder, raising his statistics in nearly every category. In addition, the Thunder went 20-7 during the stretch without Westbrook and are currently tied with the Indiana Pacers for the best record in the league at 46-15. Much of their success can be attributed to the individual effort of Durant and that is why I believe he is most valuable to his team and most deserving of the award.
The biggest difference this season between Lebron and Kevin is Durant has put up these daunting numbers without the help Lebron has had all year. Lebron has Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade beside him each game and it's easy to find success with essentially the same team that has won the past two league championships. Durant has raised the bar, not only for himself, but for his team as well and I think it would be a damn shame to award the MVP trophy to anyone else. Either way, it is shaping up to be one exciting playoff picture and it would be a huge treat for the fans if these two teams, and more specifically these two players, meet in the Finals.
