David vs. Goliath seems to be the story of the MVP race this season. The role of David given to Oklahoma City Thunder Forward Kevin Durant. Goliath will be played by an injured Carmelo Anthony, with support from Lebron James and Kobe Bryant.
Kevin Durant is already on pace to slingshot himself past Carmelo Anthony for the lead role in most points per game. After a stellar performance last night dropping 45 points and grabbing 11 rebounds he positioned himself right behind Anthony. Durant is currently 2nd in league scoring and points per game only .1 behind Carmelo Anthony with 29.6 ppg. So why should Durant be MVP this season?
In case you missed the game last night because you were in ah as Lebron dropped 23 in the first quarter against the clippers, or maybe you were grocery shopping for the mediocre Pro-Bowl or most likely watching Beyonce perform on the Grammy awards. What you missed was "KD", as he is called these days because that's what happens when you begin to take off, you get your nickname mentioned here and there. Anyway while you were locked into other programs Kevin Durant was making a statement of his own. "KD" went 16-21 from the field and 11-11 from the charity stripe to add 45 points to a 112-104 Oklahoma City victory over the Golden State Warriors. In highlights from NBA.com almost everyone on the Warriors took a crack at trying to stop Durant, but for some reason he just didn't fold. He in fact put up some of his best numbers thus far this season and as ESPN put it "one of the best 40 point performances ever."
His performance yesterday outshines Kobe's game winner against the Celtics earlier in the afternoon and Lebron's first quarter scoring tear against the Clippers. This is nothing new though he's quietly, but statistically out-done other front runners for MVP this season.
Kevin Durant so far this season is putting up better numbers than the top superstars in the league. According to NBA.com Durant is shooting a better field goal percent than the front runners for MVP excluding Lebron James. He also has a better free throw percentage and 3-Point percentage than the top 5 scorers as well. He also has helped turn his once struggling basketball club around and the playoffs are becoming more of a reality for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
This year has proved to be Kevin Durant's best yet. Although he's only been in the league for a few years he has gotten noticeably better with each year. Since his rookie year his points per game has risen by at least four points per game. Since entering the league Kevin Durant helped his team rise from one of the worst teams in the NBA to Playoff contention. In just three years thanks to Kevin Durant, alongside Jeff Green, and newcomers Russell Westbrook and James Harden have turned this organization completely around. Durants recent successes also have landed him a spot on this years All Star team. This will be his first all-star game, but certainly not the last.
For my final push for Kevin Durant to be MVP, look at how he's doing and the teams success without an all-star besides himself (no offense to Russell, James, Jeff and the rest of the Thunder). He has no Shaq, no J.R. nor Billups, no Artest, Odom, Gasol, or Bynum and is certainly not set up with situations like Joe Johnson or Rajon Rondo. Since the beginning of the season this young man has strapped the Thunder on his back, set his eyes on hitting the NBA right between the eyes and dropping championship banners in Oklahoma City in the future.
That was real good. You need to provide more statistics though. So you can sound more educated. So people actually believe what you are talking about (as if they don't already). It adds more emphasis on your blog, makes it more professionsal!
ReplyDeletei hate basketball because it is boring however your bogs are anything but. If you can keep me interested you are definitely doing your job!! great post and it was really interesting.
ReplyDelete*your blogs are anything but
ReplyDeleteYou made a very compelling argument. I totally agree with pretty much everything you said. "KD" is one of the most overlooked/under-rated players in the league in my opinion. The only thing I disagree with is his lack of help. He may not have a Odom, Shaq, J.R., etc...but Westbrook is an outstanding young point guard. The Thunder are definitely on their way to being a playoff team and KD is carrying them on his back.
ReplyDeleteThis PCPuryear...I Think KD Sould Win MVP This Year. He Doin Better Than LeBron And Kobe. If He Keeps It Up He Will Win MVP, Unless They Cheat Him Out Of It And Give It 2 LeBron Again.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Chad on this one. Everything else is on point but he definitely has a nice supporting cast that has been steadily improving along side of him. If the Thunder make the playoffs and he continues to fill up the stat sheets, I think he is no doubtedly deserving of this years MVP. But considering the leagues past of awarding someone undeserving of the award to maintain a good PR image, I strongly doubt KD will actually win it.
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