NBA MVP Watch: November 18
After a month of NBA play the best players in the league are starting to make real cases for winning the MVP award this season. Here is a recap of the best so far out of all those players for the MVP Award.
Steph Curry
Curry has led Warriors to a 13-2 record so far this season.
In four out of his last six games, Curry has recorded nine three point makes in a game. Curry is averaging 28.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game while having a 63.8 true shooting percentage.
Curry is without a doubt the favorite to win this award this season so far with his success being one of if not the main reasons the Warriors are where they are right now. Immediately out of the gate this season Curry has been unbelievable.
It would be surprising if Curry lost any momentum going forward for this award
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant continues to play at a high level this season averaging 28.6 points 7.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Durant has also been super efficient, shooting 56.7 from the field and posting a 42.7 three-point percentage.
The Nets need Durant to play exceptional in almost every game if they want to win and he does just that. Durant and the Nets sit at 10-5 without Kyrie Irving and James Harden still not playing at a high level.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo is coming off a huge game against the Lakers where he dropped 47 points, nine rebounds and shot 3-4 from three. This game allowed Antetokounmpo’s name to soar back into the MVP conversation.
For the season, he is averaging 28 points, 11.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. With multiple Bucks players returning from injury, they should turn around their 7-8 start and Antetokounmpo will be the main reason that they would turn the season around.
Nikola Jokic
The reigning MVP is still making his case again this season. Jokic has the highest single season PER of all time currently by a long shot with 35.1. The next best, Wilt Chamberlain with 32.1. Safe to say that's some great company.
If Jokic can continue to play like this and get the Nuggets into a higher seed in the West, there’s definitely a real shot he can go back-to-back.
Luka Doncic
The Mavericks currently are 9-5 which is mainly thanks to Doncic. He’s averaging 24.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game.
Doncic has picked up an injury that may affect his chances at winning the award, but if he can shake it quickly it should not impact him. Doncic legitimately does have to carry this Mavericks team and he does just that.
Patrick Lepre is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email pjl5466@psu.edu.
