With little over a month until the NBA regular season is over, there’s still a lot of basketball to be played. In the Eastern Conference, there seems to be a two-team race for the top spot. Milwaukee is currently on a two-game losing streak but lead Toronto by 2 games. In the West, Golden State also lead the Denver Nuggets by two games. While these races in both conferences are close, the one for league MVP is also creating division amongst the candidates. James Harden is the defending MVP; can he repeat for the top award in the league? Giannis Antetokounmpo and Paul George are also in the running and there’s one more to through in there. Let’s peep the top four candidates and why each should win it.
James Harden
The Beard is enjoying another great season and it’s been better than his MVP season. Let’s start with the 32-game scoring streak where he scored at least 30 points. Wilt Chamberlain is the only person in the history of the NBA that have ever had such a streak. Anytime you put yourself in the same category as Wilt Chamberlain, you’re doing something great. When it’s all said and done, James Harden’s season will go down as one of the best. As of now, Harden is averaging 36.7 pts, 7.6 asts and 6.6 rebounds a game. While no one is touching him on the offensive end, James Harden isn’t the greatest on the defensive end. Either way, you can’t take away from the season Harden is having. When Capela and Chris Paul was absent, Harden put the Rockets on his back.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Greek Freak have catapulted himself into one of the favorites to win league MVP. Giannis have led the Milwaukee Bucks to the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The hard work Giannis puts in during the offseason is paying off. The Greek Freak have become one of the more dominant players on both ends of the floor. This year Giannis was one of the captains for the 2019 NBA All-Star game, which is a huge leap. This year Giannis is averaging 27 pts, 12.6 rebs and 1.5 blks a game. While Harden is a much more prolific scorer, Giannis is better on the defensive end. With Giannis leading the Bucks to the best record in the East, this is something the voters will look at when it comes to voting.
Paul George
Coming into Year 2 with Oklahoma City, many people had high hopes with this team. Paul George put the Thunder on his back when Westbrook was out or struggling. This season George have hit numerous big shots for the Thunder. Just like Giannis, Paul George can make a difference when it comes to defense. Every year, George is one of the leaders in steals and he can guard any position from 1 through 4. Coming into this year, George is averaging slightly below 20 points a game. This year, he’s averaging 28.6 pts, 8.1 rebs and 4.3 asts a game. Oklahoma City is currently tied with Portland for the 3rd spot in a crowded West. Can Paul George make a leap and win the MVP?
Nikola Jokic
Many people have the likes of Kevin Durant, Steph Curry or Damian Lilard here. Nikola Jokic is leading the Nuggets to an extraordinary season. They have been battling with the Warriors most of the season for the #1 seed in the West. Nikola Jokic is the best all-around big man in the league and could put up a triple-double any game. Denver is currently sitting two games behind the Warriors. Since entering the league 4 years ago, Jokic have increased his production every year. This season Jokic is averaging 20.6 pts, 10.7 rebs and 7.6 asts per game. Most likely, Jokic won’t win the award this season, but he’s been great. Do you think Jokic is worthy of being a top-4 MVP candidate?
What do you think about my top 4 NBA MVP candidates? Who would you vote for NBA MVP? What do you think about this season so far? Leave some feedback on anything related to the NBA.
