NBA Awards Watch: James Harden vs. Stephen Curry For MVP

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March 31, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after scoring a basket against Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Stephen Curry

72 games, 32.9 MPG, 23.7 PPG, 7.8 APG, 4.2 RPG, 2.1 SPG, .483/.434/.918 shooting, 28.0 PER

Last week: 3 (⇑1)

The biggest problem and greatest strength of Stephen Curry’s MVP case are one in the same thing: he’s so good in the first three quarters that the Golden State Warriors usually don’t need him for the fourth quarter. Seriously, the Dubs are outscoring opponents by an average of 10.8 points per game. No wonder Steve Kerr takes advantages and rests his starters when he can.

Per minute, Curry’s numbers are as impressive as anyone’s, if not more so because he’s right on the cusp of joining the 50-40-90 club. His defense has vastly improved from last season, his penchant for going off at any given moment makes him a constant threat no matter how bad a game he’s having, and all the attention he draws on offense opens up other avenues for his talented teammates to take advantage of.

Per 36 Minutes, Curry stacks up with Harden and then some. He’s also the best player on the league’s best team. But if Curry is rightfully resting during those extra minutes to conserve energy for the ultimate goal (a championship run), should we give him the award over James Harden, who is actually putting those extra minutes to use? It’s a tough call, but for now, it has to hold Curry’s MVP candidacy back a teensy bit.

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