Kevin Durant tops the KIA MVP ladder in early-season mvp chase
Photo Credit: Nicole Sweet (USA TODAY SPORTS)
The early-season MVP chase is one of the constant changes after four weeks of games, Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant has been a clear candidate for the MVP award. Durant has carried the load for the Nets as they posted a 3-1 record in the last week, with wins over the Orlando Magic, New Orleans Pelicans, and Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant is simply playing his best brand of basketball, averaging 32.2 points on 62.9 % shooting from the field, 56.2 % shooting from 3-point range, 91.2 % from the free-throw line, 7.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Durant has scored 30+ points in four of his last five games while leading the league in mid-range field goals. It’s safe to say that the NBA is better when Durant is healthy and playing at a peak level. Despite the absence of Kyrie Irving, Durant has taken an immense leadership role for the Nets ball club. Earlier this week, Durant received the Eastern Conference Player of the Week honours for the 28th time in his NBA career. On Tuesday night Stephen Curry led all scorers with 37 as the Nets fell to the Golden State Warriors 117-99.
Stephen Curry Anchors the Warriors Golden Start
Photo Credit: Matt Kelley (Associated Press)
After one month of playing, the Warriors are off to a “Golden” start. Anchored by Stephen Curry, the Warriors has posted a league-best 11 wins and is looking apparent to a championship contender. Despite underachieving the last two seasons, The Warriors are back in the discussion and playing a championship brand of basketball. Stephen Curry erupted for an NBA season-high 50 points, ten assists in a 127-113 win against the Atlanta Hawks.
“It means we’re headed in the right direction. Like I said last game, you can’t win a championship or anything like that in November. But you can put yourself in a really good position for the regular season to start thinking about playoff position and all that once you get there.”- Stephen Curry
At the ripe age of 33, Curry becomes the oldest player in NBA history to score 50 or more and ten assists in a single game. Curry is second in scoring (28.7) behind Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets. Curry is second in the KIA MVP race and was recently named the Western Conference Player of the Week after leading the Warriors to a 6-1 record during an eight-game homestand. Curry put on a show at the Barclays Centre leading all scorers with 37 as the Warriors win big 117-99 over the Nets.
Jokic looks to defend his MVP Crown
Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports
Without the Nuggets stars Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., Jokic has posted put the team on his back, averaging 25.4 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 5,7 assists. The reigning MVP climbed the KIA MVP ladder from #10 to #3 behind Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. Aside from the 9-5 start, Jokic will embrace a leadership role for the Nuggets ball club. With no timetable on Murray’s return, the Nuggets will look for players like Will Barton, Monte Morris, and veteran Jeff Green to step up. Will Jokic defend his MVP trophy? or will the NBA have a new MVP?
Paul George emerges as an early-season MVP candidate
Photo Credit: Michael Gonzales (Getty Images)
After a 1-4 start, many doubted the Clippers as a favourite to make it out of the Western Conference. With the absence of their franchise player Kahwi Leonard, Clippers magnified some of their deficiencies. A big part of changing that narrative was Paul George. In November, the Clippers have won eight of their last nine games. George is ranked third in scoring (27.0 ppg) and fifth in steals (2.2), all in a winning effort. In recent years George has been criticized for his post-season shooting slums and inconsistencies, but we can’t deny, is the stellar play from George this season. Without superstar Kahwi Leonard, the Clippers relied heavily on George’s scoring ability and defensive prowess. George finally makes his way on the NBA KIA MVP ladder despite being ranked last week. With no definite timetable for Leonard’s return, George will need to sustain his level and play in hopes of leading the Clippers for a deep with this season.
DeMar DeRozan fuels bulls with fire this season
Photo Credit: NBA
DeRozan has given the NBA a subtle reminder as to why he’s one of the top shooting guards in the league. Coming off a season-high 38 points that led to Bulls to a 121-103 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, DeRozan is silencing his critics. Following the victory in LA, DeRozan quoted “having so many chips on his shoulders” as he referred to the media at his press conference interview.
“I can go down the list of just being counted out, being looked over,So many chips that's on my shoulder that I carry. And just wanting to be a winner and wanting to enjoy this ride.” - DeMar DeRozan
In his 13th season, DeRozan is ranked 4th in scoring (26 ppg) while shooting in at 51% from the field. The four-time All-star has fueled the Bulls this season, followed by Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine. The trio of Ball, LaVine and DeRozan has created a potent offence that contributes to nearly 60% (58.3) of the Bulls total points (108 ppg), ultimately making them a top contender in the NBA.