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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 8, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after making a basket and drawing a foul against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after making a basket and drawing a foul against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Leadership on a needy playoff team

Perhaps the most obvious reason for Westbrook to win the MVP award is the fact that he has led his team to success despite all odds being against him. If we had all known that Durant would only play in 27 games this season total, there wouldn’t be many that would expect Westbrook to pick up the slack as much as he has and power his team to the playoffs.

There was no knowing that he would put on the type of performances that he has, and leadership is something that does affect voting. Oklahoma City wouldn’t be anywhere near the Western Conference playoff race without his huge numbers, and that will come into play. Harden has a very similar argument with the Rockets, but Curry has a huge supporting cast around him.

Westbrook has been putting up consistently huge numbers despite not having the second star next to him. Not only has Durant missed most of the season, Serge Ibaka is also out due to an injury.

Not many players could have stepped up the way that Westbrook has and led his team to so much success, and that is a major selling point that will continue to be there for him with Durant not coming back.

Next: Final Conclusion

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