With about 20 games left in the regular season, it is time to see who should be named the NBA MVP. Before that, however, I thought it would be interesting to name an MVP of both the East and West.
Without a doubt the one and only man to name the East’s MVP is LeBron James. He had a fantastic season last year, winning his first championship. After accomplishing what critics said he couldn’t, he made sure to enter this season just how he had left it…at the top. The East is not a complicated place to dominate and James makes it look effortless night after night. Anyone that would dispute the idea that “King” James does not in fact run the East lives under a rock with Patrick Star.
Let’s be honest. Even I myself don’t enjoy “The King”, however, I respect his game and can sit here without the ability to deny that the man is having an MVP season. LeBron, who never has an issue with scoring, is averaging 27 PPG. While doing that, he gets as many rebounds as possible while looking for his teammates to do some scoring as well. He finally has realized what it takes to win and is no longer taking shortcuts, but actually getting the work done night after night. That’s why his team sits comfortably in the East at No. 1 with a 40-14 record so far this season.
As we head over to the West, it isn’t as easy to find the MVP. Many individuals are getting work done for their teams such as Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Tony Parker and James Harden. We can all admit that these men have been giving everything they have this season. Unfortunately there can only be one MVP of the West. This person has been the scoring leader for the past 3 seasons and is looking to continue the streak this season as well.
Kevin Durant undoubtedly makes his team better when he is in the game. He is the reason the Thunder even have a name for themselves. After losing the NBA Finals to the Heat last year, Durant has never looked so focused on getting back to that main stage. Every night the effort he places on the court is unlike any other. He plays with what most players are missing these days: heart. Scoring 28.8 PPG, Durant doesn’t stop until the final whistle. He is their go-to man and the reason they win games. Kevin Durant is the West’s MVP.
As the conversation continues, who is the League’s MVP? Should it be first-time recipient Kevin Durant, or last year’s recipient, LeBron James? As much as I would enjoy giving the prestigious award to Kevin Durant, I have to sadly admit James is having a much better season and showing it rather well in his team play. Winning the award this season would place James tied with Wilt Chamberlain, having 4 MVPs under his belt. Let’s see if he can add another championship to that collection.