James Harden is playing at a high level. In the Rockets’ last game, Harden had a 43-point triple-double with 13 rebounds and 10 assists. On December 13, Harden had a 50-point triple-double against the Los Angeles Lakers with 11 assists and 10 rebounds. So, Harden’s 43-point triple-double is one of his many great performances this season.
Harden is the reigning MVP after beating out Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Last season, he averaged 30.4 points, 8.8 assists and 5.4 rebounds. This season, he currently averages 33.3 points, 8.4 assists and 5.8 rebounds. Harden has eight straight games with at least 35 points and five assists, which broke a record previously held by Oscar Robertson. Harden is having an incredible season and could be on the verge of another MVP award. But is he a shoo-in for MVP? Or are there other players that could win?
Harden is the favorite for MVP, but not everyone thinks so. On Wednesday, former NBA player Richard Jefferson said Harden is not even close to being MVP. Jefferson was on ESPN’s First Take to discuss the award. Jefferson did not name Harden as the MVP. He chose Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard over Harden.
James Harden is ‘not even close’ to being MVP – Richard Jefferson | First Take
“Harden is an amazing player, his numbers are amazing. But right now, people will typically have conversations about [whether] the best player on the best team has a chance at the MVP,” said Jefferson.
Jefferson felt that Antetokounmpo and Leonard embodied this because their teams are at the top of the standings, while the Rockets are fighting for the playoffs.
“They are fighting to get into the playoffs now, the reigning MVP is fighting to get into the playoffs. So to see his numbers be as great as they are, we know he can do that, but MVP means Most Valuable Player, typically on a good team.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard are playing at a high level this season. Antetokounmpo averages 26.3 points and 12.6 rebounds. Leonard averages 27.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists. He also scored a career-high 45 points on Tuesday. Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are first in the Eastern Conference. Leonard and the Toronto Raptors are second. Both players and their teams are playing well.
Harden is playing well enough to win the award though too. His recent performances have helped the Rockets with their five-game winning streak. They jumped from towards the bottom of the Western Conference to the fourth seed. Harden’s season is great, but the Rockets aren’t playing as well as the Bucks or Raptors.
Can Harden win the MVP? It is a possibility. However, the Rockets must climb to the top of the Western Conference. If he continues to play well, the Rockets can do so.
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