Durant, James Dueling for the Top Spot

We are heading into All-Star weekend, which marks the midway point in the season. Looking into the 2nd half of the season, the MVP race is looking like a two-man competition. Kevin Durant and Lebron James have clearly been the two most impressive and valuable players to their teams through the first 45 games.


1. Kevin Durant- Durant has had a notable week, putting up big numbers against the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers. More than ever, KD has been exceptional this year at getting his teammates more involved, as stated by this Los Angeles Times article. The Oklahoma City Thunder small forward is the best player on the best team in the NBA, making him a clear choice for the #1 spot.

(Durant remains the frontrunner for the most prestigious individual award in the NBA)

2. Lebron James- After a poor showing in a loss against the Utah Jazz, Lebron has been on fire the last two games. LBJ scored 37 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in a big road win against the Phoenix Suns. The next night, James put up 36 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists, and knocked down a fadeaway 3-pointer at the buzzer in a victory versus the Golden State Warriors. Lebron made news earlier this week when he said that he'll be on the NBA's Mount Rushmore. With 2 NBA Championships and 4 MVP awards he is probably correct, but he is still chasing Durant for this year's MVP award.

3. Blake Griffin- The big man for the Los Angeles Clippers is currently playing the best basketball of his career. Griffin is averaging 35.4 PPG and 11.0 RPG in his past five contests. With the return of Chris Paul from an injury, the Clippers are in good shape heading into the All-Star break.

(Blake Griffin carried in the Clippers in the absence of Chris Paul)

4. Stephen Curry- The Golden State Warriors have had a frustrating first half of the season, but Curry has not disappointed. Steph ranks 5th in the NBA in points and 2nd in assists heading into the break. With injuries to Derek Rose, Russell Westbrook, and Chris Paul, Curry has emerged as the best point guard in the league so far this year.

5. LaMarcus Aldridge- In a battle between the two best power forwards in the NBA, Aldridge and the Trail Blazers went head-to-head against Blake Griffin and the Clippers on Wednesday night. Not only did Aldridge get outplayed by Griffin, but the Trail Blazers also lost a back-and-forth game. LaMarcus drops to 5th this week, but the power forward from Portland has had a very solid first half of the season.

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!

-Kyle Berka

Blake Griffin Enters the MVP Discussion

There are no changes at the top of the rankings for this week. Durant, James, and Aldridge remain the top three contenders for this year's MVP award. Blake Griffin, with his impressive play, has jumped into the MVP conversation though.


1. Kevin Durant- KD remains at the top of the list for the 3rd week in a row. In the past week, Durant has scored 25+ points in all four games. Besides an uncharacteristic loss to the Washington Wizards on Saturday, the Thunder have been playing very well in the absence of Russell Westbrook, thanks to the play of Durant. The Thunder are the best team in NBA, according to the most recent ESPN Power Rankings.

(Kevin Durant is on pace to win his first ever MVP award)

2. Lebron James- Ever since an embarrassing loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder eight days ago, Lebron has played exceptionally. Since the defeat, the Heat have tallied wins against the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Los Angeles Clippers. In each three games, Lebron has been the team's most consistent scorer, passer, rebounder, and defender. If it weren't for Kevin Durant's amazing season, James would be running away with his 5th MVP award.

3. LaMarcus Aldridge- Although he is coming off a disappointing performance in a win against the New York Knicks, Aldridge is still carrying the Trail Blazers as they remain a top seed in the Western Conference. LaMarcus is currently leading the team in points and rebounds, and is one of the team's most consistent low post defenders. Unfortunately for the big man from Portland, Durant and James seem to have the top two spots on lock.

4. Blake Griffin- Griffin makes his first appearance in the top five this week. Since the injury to Chris Paul on January 3rd, Griffin has put the Clippers on his back. Averaging 23.7 PPG and 9.8 RPG, Griffin is one of the league's most exciting players. As stated in this article by nba.com, Blake is playing at an MVP level for the depleted Clippers.

(Blake Griffin has jumped into the MVP conversation with his impressive recent play)

5. Stephen Curry- Despite an unimpressive, 18-point performance in a loss to the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday, Curry remains in the top five. On Friday night, Steph erupted for 44 points on 14-26 shooting in a 95-90 win against the Utah Jazz. He continues to be the best player for the Warriors, who are clinging onto a playoff spot in Western Conference.

Well, that rounds out the weekly NBA MVP update. See you guys next week!

-Kyle Berka