Both James Harden and Russell Westbrook have have put up incredible numbers for the 2016-2017 season. Russell Westbrook is about to become the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple double throughout the course of an entire season. In 71 games this season Westbrook is averaging 31.2 points per game, 10.5 rebounds, and 10.4 assists. In order for Westbrook to average the triple double for the year he has to average around 8 rebounds and 8 assists for the last 11 games of the season. He is leading the NBA in scoring and is the only player in the league averaging over 30 PPG. Westbrook has the second most triple doubles in a single season currently at 35 and could possibly break Oscar Robertson's record of 41. Russell Westbrook’s production for his team is the main reason people think he should be the MVP this year.
Russel Westbrook looks to average a triple double on his way to winning the NBA MVP
However, James Harden also makes a strong case for the MVP this year. James Harden is averaging close to 30 points per game while leading the league in assists per game with 11 which is more than it has been in years. The main reason people think James Harden deserves the MVP is because he is leading his team with a 47-21 record and are only 5 games behind the spurs. Meanwhile Russell Westbrook’s team is 39-29, three whole seeds down in the Western Conference. The biggest problem for Westbrook is his team is the 6th seed and the last player to win an MVP award with the 6th seed or lower was Moses Malone in the 1981-1982 season. People make arguments on both sides such as Westbrook has no offensive weapons like James Harden does in Louis Williams, Eric Gordon, or Ryan Anderson.
I think the race will come down to the last game, but that Westbrook will probably take home the trophy.