Westbrook Separating Himself

Earlier this week, I was really thinking that there was a growing likelihood that there would be Co-MVP's - Russell Westbrook and James Harden. In most years there are several viable candidates for the award, but typically one is having a distinctly superior season. This year here has been very little separation between the top MVP candidates. Then Westbrook went absolutely bonkers. On Wednesday, he dropped 57 points, snagged 13 rebounds, and dished out 11 dimes en route to his 38th triple-double in a comeback victory against the Magic. Then Westbrook doubled down and recorded his 39th triple-double of the season (35 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists) Friday night. Although the Thunder lost to the Spurs, Westbrook showcased his immense value. Without him, OKC would likely be in the gutter of the league.

Concurrently as Westbrook's play elevates, his peers have started to veer off. James Harden has had a miserable week, shooting less than 35% from the field as the Rockets are in the midst of a downward spiral. Kawhi has not been himself since suffering a concussion and has essentially removed himself from the discussion entirely. Then there is LeBron, who although he is having one of his best statistical seasons, his team has been horrendous this month, going 7-11 and squandering the number one seed in the East.

Westbrook's late push paired with the slight downfall of his adversaries should propel OKC's superstar to the 2016-2017 NBA MVP.