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NBA Awards Watch Quarter One: Where we stand after Thanksgiving

By Corey Rausch

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 14: Draymond Green #23 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors look on against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on November 14, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 14: Draymond Green #23 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors look on against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on November 14, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

NBA Awards Watch: MVP, Quarter One – Stephen Curry

Honorable Mentions: Kevin Durant, Chris Paul

Is there any argument at this point that Stephen Curry is not the MVP of the league through the first quarter of the season? For a player who was the first-ever unanimous MVP, to be possibly having the best year of his career now, the league is witnessing a truly special season thus far.

The reigning scoring champion is tied for first in scoring at 28.6 points per game with Kevin Durant. He is attempting the most three-pointers per game at 13.1 (second place is Buddy Hield at 10.8) and knocking down 42.3 percent of them.

Add in the current best record in the league, the best defensive rating, the second-best offensive rating, 6.8 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, and the resume is unassailable.

The closest second-place finisher is the man currently tied with Curry for the league lead in scoring, Durant. He is rocking ridiculous shooting splits of .548/.411/.854 while adding in 7.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists. To watch him come back from an Achilles injury and be this level of dominant in consecutive seasons is historic.

Finally, Chris Paul needs a shoutout. He is leading the league in assists (10.1), the only player in the league averaging double-digits. He is also top-10 in the league in steals at 2.0 per game. Paul is the consummate leader, helping to orchestrate the current 16-game winning streak.

Next. NBA Power Rankings Week 6. dark