Fresh off the first MVP award of his career, James Harden and his Houston Rockets got off to a rocky start this season. While their play has improved as of late including victories in eight of their last nine outings, their 19-15 mark is still good for only seventh in the Western Conference.
Despite their roller coaster start, Harden has been his usual spectacular self, pacing the league in scoring for the second consecutive season with a gaudy 32.7 points per game. However, some have Harden pegged on the outside looking in when it comes to this year’s MVP race, something he doesn’t agree with. When asked about the award, Harden believes he should fully be in the running and even stated that he’s confident about bringing it home for the second straight season.
James Harden on if he should be in the MVP Race: "Of course I should be in the conversation. I receive a lot of hate but it won't stop me from going out there and killing every single night being the dog that I am." pic.twitter.com/rRoxh6uVwL
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) December 28, 2018
Some of the primary MVP candidates this season include Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James and Stephen Curry though none have established themselves as the runaway favorite. This certainly leaves the door open for James Harden to make another run, and his play as of late has been nothing short of historic.
Not only are the Rockets starting to find their rhythm again all without point guard Chris Paul, but Harden’s numbers have been other-worldly. In Houston’s last ten games, Harden has posted a ridiculous 38.8 points per game to go along with 8.2 assists, carrying the Rockets right back into the thick of the West’s playoff race.
While Harden continues to be sensational, the Rockets still have some catching up to do if he hopes to earn MVP hardware for the second straight season. Kawhi Leonard’s Raptors currently possess the best record in the NBA while Antetokounmpo’s Bucks aren’t far behind. For Harden to gain serious consideration, the Rockets are going to have to keep up their recent success, a realistic feat considering Harden’s dominant play recently.
