They say two heads are better than one, and that couldn’t be truer in the world of basketball. Dynamic duos are taking the game by storm, with superstar teammates becoming All-Star starters and even being considered for the prestigious MVP award.
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In the Western Conference alone, four of the All-Star starters are teammates. Golden State’s Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, along with New Orleans’ Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, will be representing their teams side by side. And if circumstances were different, Cleveland’s LeBron James and Boston’s Kyrie Irving would have joined the duo trend as well.
While it’s not uncommon to see pairs of teammates in All-Star teams, it’s definitely unique to see them both in the MVP conversation. Durant and Curry currently occupy the top spots on the Kia Race to the MVP Ladder, with Davis, Cousins, James Harden, and Chris Paul also making the top 15. This begs the question: how can two teammates be considered for the MVP award?
Well, attitudes have changed in recent years with the rise of “super teams.” Now, it’s not only possible but expected to see multiple MVP-worthy players on the same team. Just like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were both legitimate MVP candidates when they played together, the same would have been true for Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in their prime. It’s a new era of basketball, and we’re witnessing history in the making.
Let’s take a closer look at the top contenders in the Week 14 edition of the 2017-18 Kia Race to the MVP Ladder:
Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
Last week’s ranking: No. 1
Season stats: 26.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists
Durant has been leading the charge for the Golden State Warriors this season. As the reigning Finals MVP, he has proven himself to be a dominant force on both ends of the court. With incredible offensive rating and impressive numbers in points and blocks, Durant is a key player in the Warriors’ success. Even when Curry was out due to injuries, Durant stepped up and showcased his skills. With his shooting efficiency and recent performances, Durant is a strong contender for the MVP award.
James Harden, Houston Rockets
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Last week’s ranking: No. 3
Season stats: 31.7 points, 9.0 assists, 4.9 rebounds
Harden recently returned after a seven-game absence due to injury, and his impact on the Houston Rockets was immediately felt. Despite some rustiness, he received M-V-P chants from the crowd and provided a much-needed boost to his team. The Rockets’ record without him speaks volumes about his importance to the team. With his scoring and playmaking abilities, Harden is a major contender for the MVP title.
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Last week’s ranking: No. 4
Season stats: 27.7 points, 6.5 assists, 5.3 rebounds
Curry, alongside his “Splash Brothers” partner Klay Thompson, continues to impress with his shooting prowess. The duo can turn any game into a blowout with their exceptional shooting abilities. Curry’s offensive rating and scoring rank among the best in the league. Despite missing some games due to injuries, he has made a significant impact on the Warriors’ offensive firepower. Curry’s consistency and shooting skills make him a strong MVP candidate.
DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
Last week’s ranking: No. 5
Season stats: 25.2 points, 5.0 assists, 4.1 rebounds
DeRozan has been a standout player for the Toronto Raptors this season. As the team’s all-time leading scorer, he has been instrumental in their success. His consistent scoring and improved playmaking skills have made him a deserving starter in the All-Star game for the second consecutive year. With his recent performances, DeRozan is proving to be a valuable asset to the Raptors’ offense.
Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics
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Last week’s ranking: No. 2
Season stats: 24.1 points, 5.0 assists, 3.6 rebounds
Irving, an experienced All-Star and former All-Star MVP, brings a wealth of talent and leadership to the Boston Celtics. Despite missing a game due to a sore shoulder, Irving’s impact on the team has been undeniable. The Celtics have maintained their position at the top of their conference, thanks in large part to Irving’s contributions. As one of the most seasoned All-Stars in the Eastern Conference, he is a strong candidate for the MVP award.
The next five:
- LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
- Russel Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Jimmy Butler, Minnesota Timberwolves
- LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs
And five more:
Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards; DeMarcus Cousins, New Orleans Pelicans; Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans; Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers; Chris Paul, Houston Rockets
FAQs
Q: How can two teammates be contenders for the MVP award?
A: With the rise of “super teams” and the changing attitudes in the NBA, it’s no longer uncommon to see multiple MVP-worthy players on the same team. Just like in the past with players like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, having two exceptional players on one team is not unheard of. The success and impact of both players contribute to their MVP candidacy.
Q: Who are the top contenders for the MVP award?
A: The top contenders for the MVP award include Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry from the Golden State Warriors, James Harden from the Houston Rockets, DeMar DeRozan from the Toronto Raptors, and Kyrie Irving from the Boston Celtics. These players have consistently showcased their skills and made significant contributions to their teams’ success.
Summary
Dynamic duos are taking the NBA by storm, with teammates not only becoming All-Star starters but also being considered for the MVP award. Players like Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, James Harden, DeMar DeRozan, and Kyrie Irving have proven themselves to be exceptional talents, driving their teams to success. The rise of “super teams” has changed the dynamics of the game, allowing for multiple MVP-worthy players on one team. As the season progresses, the race for the MVP award will only become more intense. Stay tuned to see which player comes out on top.
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