Thunderous Intentions
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Russell Westbrook ‘You, the real MVP’

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Mar 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebartes after they beat thew Orlando Magic in overtime at Amway Center. Westbrook is the first player to score the most points in triple-double in NBA history. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the Orlando Magic 114-106 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebartes after they beat thew Orlando Magic in overtime at Amway Center. Westbrook is the first player to score the most points in triple-double in NBA history. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the Orlando Magic 114-106 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Russell Westbrook
Feb 26, 2017; Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a dunk against the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Pundits Vacillate:

Pundits have vacillated all season between Harden and Westbrook with one good game leading to a player gaining an edge. Ultimately, if voters remain torn Kawhi Leonard could end up being the benefactor.

The precedent is in place as Charles Barkley lost out to Magic Johnson in 1990. Barley received all first-place votes, but the lack of second or third place votes allowed Johnson to steal the award based on his numerous second and third-place votes.

To Tie or Not to Tie:

The new narrative has scribes debating sharing the award. The issue with this is voters can’t split votes so barring all the writers aligning to split their votes it can’t occur.

Obviously how the teams finish will play a factor in voting. The Rockets will likely finish third since Houston would have to lose all seven remaining games while the Jazz would need to win out.  OKC could finish anywhere from fourth to seventh.

The Thunder won their Jazz season series, but trail them by 2.5 games. Should OKC find a way to tie Utah they can still conceivable garner home court.  OKC tied the Clippers season series and trail them by 1.5 games, but LA has played 3 additional games which were all wins.

Recent losses by Houston to top teams (Jazz, Spurs, Warriors Blazers) have lessened Harden’s lead. Combining those losses with OKC’s recent spectacular come back wins has afforded Westbrook an edge. As previously mentioned Westbrook producing a perfect triple-double as well as the highest-scoring trip-dub leading to wins has only served to bolster his chances.

Related: 2017: The year Westbrook saved the OKC Thunder and the NBA

Edge to Westbrook?

On the positive side for Harden, he lost out just two seasons ago to Curry. Conversely, what might work against Harden is the other awards Houston may receive. Mike D’Antoni leads many pundits lists for Coach of the Year and either Eric Gordon or Lou Williams could have a lock on Sixth Man. It’s hard to imagine voters would give three of the top awards all to one team sitting in third.

Especially notable is the final factor is to look at how the players performed against each other. Although the Rockets won the season series it was Westbrook who bested Harden in every major category except assists.

Harden: 20.5 points, 12.2 assists, 5.75 rebounds,  35.0.FG%, and 22.6% 3P%

Westbrook: 36.2 points, 9.25 assists, 8.9 rebounds, 44.8% FG%, and 37.2% 3P%

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