Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA: Top Five Stories As The 2016-17 Stretch Run Begins

By Jack Pontin

Feb 15, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) runs onto the floor prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) runs onto the floor prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) defends during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) defends during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

The MVP Race That We Didn’t See Coming

In July, after Kevin Durant announced that he would be joining the Golden State Warriors, Russell Westbrook became a new player. No longer would he have to take criticism about “ball-hogging” or “not getting the ball to Durant enough.”

He became the face of the Oklahoma City Thunder; in order to succeed in the cutthroat Western Conference, Westbrook would have to average nearly a triple-double and carry the roster after losing their superstar.

Seven months later, Russ is doing all that was expected of him and more. Westbrook is averaging a triple-double at the All-Star break and has 27 total through 57 games. If he manages to average the triple-double for the rest of the season, he will be the first player to do so since Oscar Robertson, who did so in 1961-62. The Thunder are currently 32-25 and occupy the 7th seed in the West.

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So, if before the season started, it was known that Russell Westbrook would not only be averaging a triple-double, but would also be leading the Thunder to a spot in the playoffs, the Most Valuable Player crown would have been given to him immediately. To dethrone a player averaging a triple-double in the MVP race would take an unprecedented season from a fellow superstar.

James Harden is having a season great enough to be in the conversation with Westbrook.

The Beard has completely dominated in Houston this season, leading the league in assists per game (11.3) and putting up some triple-doubles of his own (15). Harden also has his Rockets at 40-18 and firmly secured into the 3-seed, behind only Golden State and San Antonio.

When comparing the two head-to-head, Westbrook seems to have the statistical advantage. He averages more points, rebounds, steals, and commits fewer turnovers per game than the Houston guard. Per 100 possessions, Harden’s offensive rating is higher than Russ’s, but Brodie has a lower defensive rating.

Although he clearly lacks in the stat department when being compared to Russell Westbrook, James Harden has one aspect of this season going for him: team success. The Rockets are better than the Thunder, and it is not particularly close. If the season ended today, Harden might get the nod from MVP voters who put value into a team’s record as well as an individual’s stat-line.

Statistically, Russell Westbrook is deserving of his first career MVP award and Oklahoma City’s first MVP since Kevin Durant won in 2014. However, James Harden and the Rockets’ success in the Western Conference could give Harden the benefit of the doubt with voters unable to offer their selection to a player at the bottom of the playoff standings.

Until it is voting time, there will be a compelling race between two superstars both deserving of an MVP. But, barring a thunderous second half from another one of the league’s stars, somebody will be bringing their first MVP home this Summer.

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