The NBA MVP Race is heating up with the playoffs about to kick in.
Right now, the two clear contenders for the top individual award are James Harden of the current Western Conference third placer Houston Rockets and Stephen Curry of the overall leader Golden State Warriors.
Both are making a good case for themselves in the NBA MVP race with their glaring statistics night in and night out. The Rockets shooting guard leads the league in points with 27.4 and Steph is at sixth with 23.9. Harden has better efficiency rating over Curry. However, it is not why he thinks he deserves the Maurice Podoloff Trophy.
Harden was asked by sports journalist Fran Blinebury about the NBA MVP Race and he is aware he is one of the frontrunners. Correct that, he thinks he should be the winner.
"I feel as though I am the MVP," Harden said. "I think the MVP is the most valuable player to your team. Obviously you have to be winning and be one of the top teams in this league and we are.
The 25-year old shooting guard is sounding reasonable. For most of the season, his all-star teammate Dwight Howard is out due to injuries and Harden has to double the work. Apparently, the results of his hard work are quite good.
"I'm not taking credit away from anybody else in the league. But I've been consistent all year. I've just been doing the right things to put my team in situations to win (NBA MVP Race), considering all of the different circumstances we've had to deal with."
Harden also explained why he will beat Stephen Curry in the NBA MVP Race.
"I'm looking at all those things put together," Harden said. "Like I said, not taking away from Steph or that team. It's an unbelievable season that they're having. But we're having a pretty good season as well with all the injuries and all that we've been going through this season."
"Look, I understand that people can go either way with it. But for the most valuable player, I think I would have the edge."
