When you compare the dynamic duos of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat, would seem to cancel each other out at first glance. James is statistically better in every category than Durant except for scoring as he is averaging 27.7 points per game, while Kevin Durant on the other hand is averaging 28.0 points per game. James is statistically better than Durant in every category except scoring and blocking, and even those numbers are very close.
Then you can compare their counterparts. Outside of blocks per game, the “sidekick” advantage in this situation favor the Thunder. The Thunder’s Russell Westbrook is averages 23.6 points per game while the Heat’s Dwyane Wade is averaging 22.8 points per game. Westbrook is also statistically better than Wade this season in rebounds, steals, and assists per game. So while they cancel out on this end, there is the “X-Factors” of both teams.
Chris Bosh of the Heat who’s averaging a little over 18 points per game, while the Thunder’s James Harden is averaging close to 13 points per game. One can argue that James is creating more opportunities for his teammates to score with him averaging nearly 7 assists per game. That’s a number you would expect from a point guard who’s on the brink of being a considered top 10 at the position. James is not only having better all around defensive stats than Durant, statistically, his “sidekick” is not as good as Durant’s.
Ladies and Gentleman, the proof is in the pudding! LeBron James should be your favorite to win the MVP of the 2011-2012 NBA season. James has powered the Heat to NBA’s best numbers both sides of the ball . He’s powering his team on the defensive side of the ball more than Durant with incredible defense, as well as creating more opportunities for his team to score all while being the third leading scorer in the NBA himself. James is the driving force behind this Heat team that currently has an NBA’s best record of 28-7.
Again, we all have our reservations about naming LeBron James as a favorite for the NBA regular season MVP. Heck I am one of them. Many feel that when James made his “Decision” to bolt Cleveland and join the Heat that had perennial All-Star and former Finals MVP Wade, and newly acquired perennial All-Star in Bosh. That is a valid argument.
Thing that knocks Durant is that Durant is that he has a better supporting cast than James, but isn’t being the all-around playmaker that James is.
There is still much season to go, but James is looking at his 3rd NBA MVP in four years. The big question though is, when will James get the MVP trophy that has “Finals” in front of it. After all, these are the standards that America is holding him to, and this will all be in vain if he does not achieve it.
Via That Dame
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