Congratulations are in order to Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks for winning the 2019 KIA MVP award. It was a tough decision if you ask me. No offence to Paul George but he wasn’t even close in the race. It was all about James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo and their race to win the MVP. Harden would’ve been a back to back winner if he had won today but it was the “Greek Freak” who prevailed on top.
Giannis was a monster throughout the season, striding down the lane with his long legs, chasing down defenders to swat away shots and dunking on players without even breaking a sweat. Antetokounmpo was on a tear on offense as he made defenders think twice before challenging him at the rim. He had a huge impact on the defensive side as well, blocking, altering shots and nabbing rebounds left and right. Giannis averaged 27.7 points per game, 12.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists and came 2nd to winning the Defensive Player of the year award as well.
I think Antetokounmpo deserved the award but if you have a look at the season James Harden has had, you may want to think twice. Harden had an unbelievable season with the Houston Rockets and the Rockets fans and organization were not happy about their reigning MVP losing to the Greek Freak. Harden was first in scoring as he averaged 36.1 points per game, 6.6 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game. These numbers may not impress you but these will, -:
● 1st player in NBA history to average at least 35.0 points per game and 7.0 assists per game in a single season.
● Finished Top 2 in MVP voting 4 out of the last 5 seasons.
● Scored 40 plus points 28 times this season.
● Scored 50 plus points 9 times this season.
● Scored 60 plus points twice this season.
● 32 consecutive games scoring at least 30 points, 2nd longest in league history.
● And over a span of 40 games played Harden averaged 40.1 points per game, 7.0 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 2.2 steals per game.
After having a look at these numbers and the spectacular season he has had, you might scratch your head as to how Harden got snubbed. And if this wasn’t enough, Harden surpassed his career high for 3-pointers made in his 53rd game of the season finishing with 378, 2nd highest single season in NBA history.
Harden had an insane season with such performances, shooting over defenders all the while breaking some ankles as well but clearly that wasn’t enough as Giannis beat Harden by only 55 votes. But the real question to ask is whether did Harden got snubbed or was Giannis was a well-deserved winner?
It’s for you to decide.
