Hoops Habit
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Mar 24, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook runs onto the floor prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook runs onto the floor prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Final conclusion

While the Durant injury news is extremely concerning for any fan that follows the NBA, it certainly does help impact Westbrook’s MVP chances. He is the main guy in Oklahoma City now and will have to continue putting up the type of numbers that he has been in order to keep his team in the playoff race. Assuming he can continue to play the way he has, there is nothing standing in his way to take over the MVP award from Durant.

Needless to say, this has been an absolutely ridiculous show that Westbrook has put on all year long. He has recorded nine triple-doubles this season, and 27 double-doubles. Those numbers alone show just how dominant he has been.

Neither Harden or Curry have put up the type of production that Westbrook has, and they certainly haven’t done so with so much pressure on their shoulders. Harden appears to be the main competition for Westbrook, although Curry’s team has had much more success which will come into play.

No matter what ends up happening this year as far as MVP voting is concerned, Westbrook has played MVP caliber basketball. He has gone from being a star to being a superstar and one of the NBA’s most elite players. There is no question that he is a franchise caliber player moving forward, and there are a lot of reasons for excitement looking ahead to the future.

Next: Every NBA Team's Signature Season

More from Hoops Habit

Home/Oklahoma City Thunder