The 2011-2012 NBA season has started, providing eye-popping athleticism and excitement!
No players have stood out more than Small Foward LeBron James of the Miami Heat, and Small Forward Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Both James and Durant are ranked number 1 and 2 in scoring, respectively, and both players have led their squads to 5-0 records.
Kevin Durant started his MVP profile with a game winning 3-pointer to defeat the defending champion Dallas Mavericks.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtHq9RFQeqc[/youtube]
Statistically, LeBron has a slight edge on Durant. However, keep in mind that the sample size is only 5 games.
LeBron is averaging 29.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 2.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks. Not to mention, he’s shooting 59.8% from the field and 80.9% from the charity stripe.
Durant is averaging 27.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks. He is shooting 54.7% from the field, 80% from the line, and is hitting 2.2 3-pointers a game.
LeBron has more offensive weapons surrounding him, playing alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Kevin Durant plays with PG Russell Westbrook and 6th man James Harden, but it is obvious Durant is the main scoring threat.
LeBron has two MVP awards to his name (2008-2009 and 2009-2010). Those awards were with the Cleveland Caveliers, and he is still looking to nab an MVP for his talents in South Beach.
Kevin Durant has won back to back scoring titles since the 2009-2010 season (becoming the youngest scoring champion ever), but has no MVP to his name.
Last season’s MVP was Derrick Rose, who averaged 25.0 PPG and emerged as the most prolific scorer for the Bulls since the days of MJ. It is interesting to note that these three players were all top picks in the NBA draft. LeBron was 1st overall in 2003, Kevin Durant was 2nd overall in 2007 (Greg Oden anybody?), and Derrick Rose was the 1st pick of the 2008 draft.
There’s lots of season left to play, but who will win the MVP this year?
All this and more on Slugtalk, Wednesdays 7-8 PM, only on the GREAT 88, KZSC.
LeBron dunks on Gerald Henderson’s head (video below).
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaiIpJTKG_s[/youtube]
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sports - Slug Talk sweetheart sharing her love for all thing sports related!