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James Harden On NBA MVP Race: ‘I Thought Winning Was What This Is About’

Ryan Ward NBA News

Superstar guard James Harden of the Houston Rockets may have taken a shot at his former teammate and fellow NBA MVP candidate, Russell Westbrook. The face of the Oklahoma City Thunder star is arguably the frontrunner for the regular-season award after breaking Oscar Robertson’s record for triple-doubles and leading his team into the playoffs with Kevin Durant by his side.

Although Westbrook still putting up historic numbers on a nightly basis, Harden isn’t far behind him and has done a better job leading his team in terms of wins and playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Harden made the following comment when asked about the MVP race and the role wins play in the final result, via Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle:

Harden currently has his Rockets cruising with the NBA playoffs approaching. Houston has won six of their last 10 games and is widely considered to be a legitimate title contender and quite possibly the one team in the West that can keep up with Durant’s Warriors.

As for Westbrook, most expect an early exit for the UCLA product and Oklahoma City in the playoffs. The Thunder are headed for a collision with the Rockets in the first round of the postseason, and both players will have added motivation to prove themselves.

The winner of the NBA MVP award won’t be announced until June 26 on TNT in the league’s first live award show. The NBA Finals will have come and gone by then with a new or repeat champion crowned and Harden and Westbrook hoping for a favorable result to the MVP voting.

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