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Russell Westbrook: How Kevin Durant’s Injury Affects MVP Status

By Evan Massey

Mar 25, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts while playing during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts while playing during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a dunk against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a dunk against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Continued offensive dominance

The most obvious reason that Durant’s injury affects Westbrook is the role that he has in the offense without him on the floor. Westbrook is the number one go-to guy for the Thunder when Durant is out, and he has flourished in that role. Not only has he been considered a contender for the MVP award, he has also proven that the Thunder can compete without the reigning MVP.

Westbrook’s offensive dominance has been extremely impressive this season, and he has improved every single area of need that he had coming into the season.

His passing ability and willingness has been extremely impressive this season, and it has taken his offensive game to the next level. Westbrook had been tagged as a ball-hog throughout his career up until this season, but it is seeming like Durant’s absence has made him a better point guard. It may have nothing to do with Durant being out, but it certainly has showcased more of Westbrook’s game.

Offensively, Westbrook has been battling with James Harden of the Houston Rockets for the MVP award. He has average 0.4 points more than Harden on the season and has put up 1.6 more assists per game. That shows that his offense alone would win him the MVP award, even over Stephen Curry who has put up impressive on the NBA’s most dominant team.

Next: Leadership on a Needy Playoff Team

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