Last night the Cleveland Cavaliers went into halftime with a lead of 67- 58 against The Houston Rockets. Each team played with playoff intensity, with intentions of becoming a well oiled playoff machine. Once the second half was underway, James Harden, a.k.a The Beard, transformed into his MVP form
Rockets vs Cavs
Harden displayed the reason he is a leader in the MVP race. In the third and fourth, James Harden played closely to perfection, only missing two shots. The Rockets went on a 21-5 run. In the fourth quarter, Kyrie Irving was shut down by defensive stopper Patrick Beverly.
James Harden finished the game with 38 points 10 rebounds and 11 assists. That's 16 triple doubles for Harden this season, second behind Russell Westbrook. The Houston Rockets are now the 3rd seed in the western conference behind the San Antonio Spurs, and the Golden State Warriors.
Who is The MVP
Russell Westbrook, James Harden, LeBron James, and Kawhi Leonard are the leading names for the NBA MVP race. Westbrook is the making the strongest case avegering a triple double. Westbrook's performance is historic and hasn't been done in over 50 years when the great Oscar Robertson achieved this feat in 1961. Westbrook is the MVP Favorite, but his problem is that the Thunder are the sixth seed in the western conference.
Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs increased his support for NBA MVP when Leonard made not one but two clutch plays to seal a win over The Houston Rockets. Leonard made a three point shot to put the Spurs ahead of the Rockets. On the following possession Kawhi made a LeBron type block on James Harden to seal the game on March 6th.
LeBron James is a four time MVP, and is always one of the names surrounding the MVP race. LeBron always averages solid numbers, once again this year averaging 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Cavaliers are currently the number one seed in the east. LeBron has rested a few road games this year hurting LeBrons MVP case.
After last nights game, James Harden may have catapulted himself in lone position to win the NBA MVP award. This is Harden's second opportunity to grab the award, as Harden narrowly lost to Steph Curry in 2014. Harden leads the league in assist , and is currently second in points. The Rockets have the third seed in the western conference.
