if Harden has a game like tonight on national TV against OKC then it's a wrap...the MVP will be his and there will be no debate Russ better watch out, Harden is coming against Kawhi: 39 and 12 against Lebron: 38 points and a triple double
What's amazing, to get those extra 2 rebounds, Russ' teammates are getting out of the way. Harden is fighting for his 8 rebounds a game because the Rockets can barely get one. Harden doesn't even care about the rebound stat (unless he happens to be 1 or 2 away from a triple double) he has to get those rebounds or there will be no rebound. Ariza, Bev, Nene, Capela, etc. are fighting for every free rebound not caring about Harden's stats. Someone needs to have a serious talk.
I think if Harden gets 21 triple doubles, and Westbrook doesn't get 40 and doesn't pass Oscar Robertson, Harden should be able to win the MVP award. Harden would have had a triple trouble in 25% of the seasons games, and a FAR better record than the thunder with Hardens triple doubles being more impressive than Westbrook's. That said, if the Clippers keep losing and the Thunder get the 5 or maybe even 4 seed, there's no way on earth Westbrook doesn't get MVP. His schedule is not tough either, so its likely. The Rockets HAVE TO beat OKC next Sunday. And Harden has to go off in that game.
Most career 40-point tri-dubs Big O - 22 Westbrook -8 Harden - 7 Chamberlain - 7 Big O was pretty good. Amazing Westbrook and Harden are ahead of Wilt. Surprised MJ doesn't have more.
Harden with the sleepiest triple doubles in history. Even in this graphic, Harden looks like he just woke up from a nap.
It's such BS, WB puts up a trip dub that's all anyone can talk about - Harden put up 2 40 point trib dubs in a back to back...not a peep, the bias against James is real.
Fact: if Russell Westbrook got two less rebounds per game but his true-shooting% was 7% better, the Thunder would win a lot more games. That is, if he had Harden's stats. That efficiency deficit is a huge thing that gets ignored.
I wouldn't discount the value of those rebounds, though. Westbrook gets +0.6 offensive rebounds a game. And while many of his defensive boards are uncontested, there is additional offensive value in a PG getting the defensive rebound.
I don't understand these kind of posts at all and unfortunately it's guys like this that run ESPN. Have you not seen Harden's stats? They are equally insane. Arguably more impressive actually. Plus the Rockets are significantly better.
The MVP race is a regular season award however in my admittedly few years watching the nba the MVP has been announced sometime during the playoffs. With that in mind is it possible the first round of the playoffs could have a bearing on the decision makers? In a season where strong cases can be made for both players as it stands Houston will face OKC in the first round which could be a deciding unofficial factor in making a tough choice...albeit one Harden best win
That would actually probably help us so much more. Clint and Trez suck at boxing out. Ryan Anderson does it very well.
Oscar played in Era in which rebounds were handed out to all the fans as they entered the arena (at least, the white ones) Shooting was awful and pace was high. Most teams had ~5 or more guys averaging 10+ rebounds per 36 minutes, and if you played 40+ a night...
