By Courier Sports Editor, Jordan McGlory
After averaging a triple double and helping the Thunder (47-35) make the playoffs as the 6th seed, MVP front-runner Russell Westbrook is making a statement in the NBA this year. Westbrook had stellar stats to finish the season off: 31 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds per game.
It has been a very historic season for him this year, having beaten the record of most triple doubles in a season, which was once held by Oscar Robertson. As Westbrook showed his dominance in the league, nobody could compare with his performance, and it even seemed as if his games were too easy. By far, he is the most un-guardable player in the league.
However, he is still being questioned for being MVP because of his team’s record. The closest competition to Westbrook is James Harden of the Houston Rockets. Harden helped his team (55-27) to the third seed in the Western Conference, and he also had a very good individual season himself, averaging 37 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds.
Both players have had MVP-type seasons, but it is still questionable who will win. Some say Russell’s performances were too good for him not to be MVP, but others argue that the Thunder’s somewhat lacking win record isn’t exactly reflective of his teamwork and cooperation within the team.
Despite Kevin Durant leaving the Thunder and putting all the pressure on Russell to carry the team, he has been doing just fine. Unlike last year’s unanimous vote in favor of Stephen Curry, this might be the closest MVP race yet, and the officials will definitely have a tough decision.