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NBA Awards Watch: Why Isn’t James Harden The MVP Favorite Again?

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) points to the sky against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Rockets won 127-118. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) points to the sky against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Rockets won 127-118. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dunks the ball during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Russell Westbrook

38 games, 32.7 MPG, 25.9 PPG, 7.6 APG, 6.3 RPG, 2.2 SPG, .435/.280/.822 shooting, 28.6 PER

Last week: 9 (⇑1)

Just a few fun facts about Russell Westbrook for those who don’t think he’s played enough games to crack our top 10: he’s leading the league in steals per game and usage percentage, he’s second in the NBA in Player Efficiency Rating, assist percentage and steal percentage, he’s third in scoring and he’s the only reason the Oklahoma City Thunder still have a prayer of making the postseason.

The Thunder are only one game out of the West’s eighth spot and it’s all thanks to the dynamic point guard who “doesn’t pass enough to Kevin Durant.” If you think that’s still a narrative, you haven’t been paying attention the past two seasons.

Sure, there’ll be nights where Westbrook gets his, like when he dropped 45 and then 48 on the New Orleans Pelicans in back-to-back games. But what about nights like Monday when he scores a respectable 26 but also adds nine assists and feeds the beast that is Kevin Durant (40 points, seven threes)? And, more importantly, are we really going to gripe when he puts up 45 in back-to-back games? Stop hating on Westbrook, people. You’re missing something special.

Next: No. 7 - Boogie