Harden & Antetokounmpo Lead Race For MVP
The NBA season has only just begun but there are still a couple of players whose performances are standing out. Many people already want James Harden or Giannis Antetokounmpo for MVP.
In terms of scoring ability, Harden and Antetokounmpo are currently unmatched. This can be seen by the fact that along with Luka Doncic these are the only two players to be averaging over 30 points a game this season. These players’ performances have allowed their teams to experience success as well. These factors have led to a number of people believing that Harden or Giannis win MVP.
Harden Is A Scoring Machine
James Harden is completely dominant in terms of his scoring ability this season. Currently, Harden is averaging 38.9 points per game this season. This is 8 more points than the 2nd highest scoring player in the league. Over the last 3 seasons, Harden has been able to score over an average 30 points.
Currently, Harden is having a career-high in points per game. Harden has been impressive in other categories as well. In terms of PER and steals per game Harden ranks 7th in the league. Harden’s scoring ability has allowed for the Houston Rockets to succeed. Evidence of the Rocket’s success is made evident by the fact that they are tied for the 4th best record in the Western Conference with 13 wins and 6 loses.
Although Harden is unmatched in his scoring ability he still struggles in certain areas. Turnovers and a lack of defensive efforts are things that have always plagued Harden’s performances. So far this season Harden is the only player in the league to average over 5 turnovers a game with 5.3.
Antetokounmpo’s Play Leads To Personal & Team Success
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been able to transfer his great play from last season into this year. After receiving the award for the 2018-19 NBA MVP Giannis seems to show no intention of slowing down. Antetokounmpo is ranked 2nd in the league in terms of points per game with 30.8.
Along with being able to score with extreme ease, Antetokounmpo has been impressive in other categories as well. Giannis is currently ranked 4th in the league for rebounds averaging 13.4 boards per game. In terms of PER Giannis leads the league with a number of 33.87.
The success of Antetokounmpo’s personal skills has led to the Milwaukee Bucks having quite the impressive record. The Bucks have the best record in the league at the moment with 18 wins and only 3 losses. This team has been performing on an outstanding level this season. The Bucks are undefeated in their last 10 games. Playing away or at home has been no issue for Milwaukee. The team has a record of 9-1 at home and 9-2 when playing on the road.
Who Deserves MVP Though?
It is hard to say who really deserves to win MVP at this point. James Harden’s scoring ability has been beyond impressive. Whereas Giannis has been able to impress in a number of categories, along with leading to great success for his team. The Bucks arguably do play in the easier conference. The fact that they lead the league in wins should not go to be overlooked though.
Personally I feel the combination of personal skills along with the success of one’s team is what’s important. Giannis has been able to lead his team to a better record, but Harden’s feats are still quite impressive. I believe Giannis will pull off a repeat and win the 2019-20 NBA MVP.
But what do you guys think? Should James Harden or Giannis Antetokounmpo win MVP? Can Giannis’s play keep his team on top? Or will Harden’s non-stop scoring alow him to capture another MVP?
