Rockets’ Chris Paul still strongly believes James Harden is this year’s MVP
Throughout the season, Houston Rockets star guard James Harden has put together a career-best campaign.
This has thrust him squarely into the MVP conversation with a chance to earn the award for a second straight year, in which his primary competition for the honor has unquestionably been Milwaukee Bucks All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two recently faced off with Antetokounmpo getting the better of the matchup, leading the Bucks to a win in which point guard Chris Paul quickly voiced that he didn’t believe it had swayed the MVP conversation away from Harden, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
“James went on a historic run. Know what I mean?” Paul said, referring to Harden’s streak of 32 consecutive 30-point performances, carrying the Rockets from 14th place to third in the Western Conference standings during that stretch despite Paul and center Clint Capela missing extended time due to injuries. “Obviously, I’m biased about the MVP and whoever or whatnot, but those of you that decide it on head-to-head games with a few games left in the season, good luck with that. Happened to me in ’08.”
Harden has certainly made a strong case for the award as he has put together a historic campaign that has included him posting 32 straight games with at least 30 points, which is the second-longest mark in league history. Meanwhile, he has been the driving force toward pushing the Rockets into the fourth overall record in the Western Conference.
He has also led the league in scoring by a wide margin as he’s averaging 36.2 points per contest, which is eight more points than any other player in the NBA. Harden has taken his production to the next level this season, but it shouldn’t discount the impressive campaign that Antetokounmpo has put together, pushing the Bucks to best mark in the league.
He has also taken the next step in his development as he’s set to join Oscar Roberston, averaging at least 27.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game in a single season. Nonetheless, this has remained a highly competitive race for the award.
