Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook Is Insanely Good, And The MVP

The Oklahoma City Thunder are in sixth place in the Western Conference, and things continue to look up for them. Centerfold is Russell Westbrook, MVP candidate, and he deserves the recognition.

We’ve witnessed Russell Westbrook climb the ranks over the past few seasons, notching triple-double after triple-double. He now has 34 this season, and he’s nearing the record (41) that Oscar Robertson set in 1961-62.

It’s important to acknowledge these triple-doubles because they are, quite possibly, the main reason Westbrook should be crowned MVP this season.

Although Westbrook’s triple-doubles are important, though, let’s explore another MVP candidate with similar characteristics: James Harden.

Harden has half as many triple-doubles as Westbrook this season. Obviously that doesn’t take away from his value, but it’s something noteworthy nonetheless.

Harden, with the guidance of Mike D’Antoni, has managed to reach interstellar heights as a point guard. He’s been a ball-dominant guard his entire career, which forced us to question whether or not he was actually a shooting guard.

As it turns out, Harden is a perfect blend of the two. His assist numbers have jumped from 7.5 assists per game to a career-high 11.3 assists per game. Harden brings 28.9 points to the table as well, both astronomical averages considering the guards around him in the NBA.

Westbrook has averaged a triple-double for a majority of the season – if it adds any appeal, he’s managed to do this in less minutes per game. He’s averaging 31.8 points, 10.3 assists and 10.6 rebounds per game.

Westbrook remains the leading scorer in the NBA this season, and with 14 games left in the season we can only expect Westbrook to keep erupting for numbers similar to his season averages.

Let’s put statistical categories aside, though, and look toward team records.

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The Houston Rockets are in third place with a record of 47-22, whereas the Oklahoma City Thunder are in sixth place with a record of 39-29.

It becomes hard, thus, to imagine Westbrook outshining Harden when the Thunder are in a worse position. Yet, considering how Westbrook has guided a team with a bunch of second-tier players to 39 wins, perhaps Westbrook is truly the “most valuable” player on a team. Again, the case for Harden could be similar.

Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon have outdone themselves this season, but they could thank Harden for that. Neither of the aforementioned players would likely be able to take the reigns of the Rockets if Harden stepped down, for whatever reason. Clint Capela, without a doubt, would not be performing up to par as well. With Lou Williams, that argument becomes a bit flawed because the Rockets’ depth becomes that much more lethal.

In Oklahoma City, Westbrook’s supporting cast is far less appealing to the naked eye. Victor Oladipo showed some signs of being a franchise guard in Orlando, and he’s continued his strong play for the Thunder. He’s averaged 16.4 points per game in 52 appearances, numbers that are truly impressive for the 24-year-old. He’s averaging career highs in both field-goal and three-point percentage, which indicates Westbrook has an effect on Oladipo’s shot to some degree. Though he can create his own shot, as well as dish the ball like a floor general, Oladipo has seen a solid uptick in play since joining the Thunder, primarily because of Westbrook’s distribution.

The next two leading scorers are Enes Kanter and Steven Adams, respectively. Both players thrive off of Westbrook’s passing, and are likely in a worse position with a lesser guard at the helm. Of course, now that Taj Gibson is a part of the team, it can be argued that missing Westbrook might not result in a horrible loss for the Thunder after all.

That being said, it seems a record of 39-29 would not be possible without Westbrook. He’s averaged 31.8 points, 11.7 assists and 11.4 rebounds over 35.5 minutes in wins this season.

This argument is highly speculative, of course, but Westbrook is definitely making the case for being an MVP this season, perhaps, more than any other season. We’ve really only seen Top-2 seed players receive the award in earlier years, but it remains to be seen how the MVP will be considered this season.

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If you’re interested in further comparison between Westbrook and Harden, click here (courtesy of Basketball Reference).

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