NBA MVP RACE THROUGH DECEMBER

By, Chanson Orme

NBA fans look forward to the Christmas day games, we look at the fierce and competitive MVP race. The NBA season is on average 32 games deep, so we have seen how each team has adjusted to new acquisitions, different adjustments, how new rookies will impact the league, and so on. All in all, we have seen how each team will look this season. We have also seen how each superstar will look this season, and which three players front run the race for MVP.

Lebron James:

The King is usually in MVP talks as he continues to get better and better every year in his career. Lebron is simply unstoppable, and he continues to prove that this season. He currently is averaging a career high in FG% (57%), he's shooting a career high in 3s per game (5.1) while averaging a career high in 3pt% (41.1). James is becoming more and more versatile, and that is proven every game. He is an elite threat from anywhere within 30 feet of the basket, and that is terrorizing defenses. As he comes off the pick and roll, so many defenders are playing him too tight and end up giving him space to drive. James is getting to the basket at such a high rate, that so many defenses rotate with a big man, and that is why Lebron is averaging a career high is assists (9.2) and why Kevin Love is flourishing this season. This isn't a coincidence that Lebron is averaging another career high in 2p%, because teams simply can't adjust to his now elite shooting, driving, finishing, and passing. Lebron is playing on nuclear levels and poses quite the case for MVP.

James Harden:

Another valid candidate for this years MVP is the Beard, James Harden. Many NBA fans in general feel as if James has been snubbed from what would be his first MVP the last few seasons. This year’s race has been tighter than most, but Harden has really stepped up his game leading the league in points per game (32.5), taking and making a career high in #s per game (10.1 on 39.8%), and leading the Rockets to the best team in the West. James Harden is the most offensively productive player in the league: averaging a league high in total win shares, usage %, offensive win shares, and offensive box plu/minus. The Rockets currently sit at 25-6, and Mike D’Antoni’s 3 point offense has really benefited Harden this season. Even when Chris Paul missed time with injury, James Harden carried Houston to win after win. Hes proven that he can win games by himself, and tomorrow's game against the Thunder is huge. Reigning MVP Russell Westbrook looks to beat Harden, and a win for James would go a long way in building an argument for MVP.

Giannis Antetokounmpo:

The final major candidate for MVP: The Greek Freak. Coming off of a MIP award (most improved player) Giannis continues to progress and prove to the league as to why Milwaukee needs to be taken more seriously. Giannis trails Harden for 2nd in the league in scoring, he currently is taking 4.2 more shots per game than last year while his average has increased 1.9%, and also leads the league in minutes per game.  Giannis continues to improve, which is saying a lot figuring he lead the Bucks in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks last season. Giannis is posting a career high in PER (player efficiency rating) in 30.9, which currently is higher than James Hardens. We have seen the Bucks win some big games this season, including close wins over Boston and Cleveland. In every one of those wins, Giannis has played extremely well and continues to assert his dominance over the league. As long as he doesnt slow down, Giannis will continue to be a serious contender for the league’s most valuable player.

Picture Credits: si.com, nba.com