NBA MVP Watch: October 29
The first week of games in the NBA have wrapped up, and a bunch of players were back to getting buckets throughout the week.
Because it is so early in the season, there are a ton of guys to keep an eye on in the MVP race. Below are three of those players, who have all had hot starts to this young season.
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Earlier last week, Curry’s trainer revealed that in his offseason workouts, they don’t count baskets unless they go directly in the middle of the rim, using technology to track the ball.
No wonder he’s the best shooter to ever grace the court.
Curry just continues to push himself to new heights, obliterating opposing defenses on a nightly basis. From the moment he steps across half court, he is a threat for a bucket (and maybe even before that).
Through four games so far, Curry has averaged 29.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists while leading the Warriors to a 4-0 record.
If he can maintain anywhere near those numbers while keeping Golden State at the top of the Western Conference, he will take home his third MVP.
Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
With no Kawhi Leonard for the year, the weight of the Clippers’ season has fallen onto George’s shoulders. He has stepped up big-time so far, despite their 1-2 start.
George has averaged 28.0 points, 5.0 assists and 2.7 steals per game, making an impact on both ends.
His smooth offensive game and his strength and IQ on defense have made him a premiere two-way star throughout his career, including his time with the Pacers and Thunder.
George has the opportunity to contend for an MVP award if he can keep Los Angeles at the top of the Western Conference.
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Morant may just be in his true breakout season.
Entering his third year in the league, he has always been an excellent playmaker and finisher. However, the one inconsistency in his career so far has been his shooting from the perimeter. He seems to have figured that out.
Shooting 44.4% from three while averaging 35.0 points and 8.0 assists, Morant has looked like a superstar in the Grizzlies’ first three games.
He also floats above the rim on some dunks to the point you think you’re watching a young Russell Westbrook or Derrick Rose.
If he even scrapes the levels of those two former MVPs while taking Memphis to the playoffs, you can surely bet that the 22-year-old will be in the conversation for this year’s MVP.
Daniel Mader is a second-year student majoring in digital/print journalism. To contact him, email dbm5725@psu.edu.
