re: James Harden: "I thought winning was more important"

quote:

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It's only stupid this year. It's never been stupid in the past. Harden lost MVP 2 years ago despite putting up better stats with a weaker team. Curry had Klay, Dray and Iggy on a loaded team, but he got the MVP because if wins.

This year it's the opposite, although Harden's numbers are much closer to Westbrooks than Curry's were to his. The goal posts keep changing

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A) Curry led Harden in basically every meaningful advanced number in 2014-2015: PER 28.0 - 26.7, WS/48 .288 - .265, Box Plus/Minus 9.9 - 8.4, VORP 7.9 - 7.8

B) Harden and Curry were much closer in 2015 than Harden is to Westbrook this year, at least as far as advanced numbers are concerned.

C) The only reason Russ isn't a lock for the MVP this year is because of Houston's success. Their wins are being weighted heavily and are keeping Harden in the race.