Written by Chris Barnewall at CBS Sports.com
Russell Westbrook was the second player ever to average a triple double for an entire season. An accomplishment like that is certainly one worth recognizing and that is what the NBA’s panel of voters felt they needed to do. At the NBA Awards show in New York, Westbrook was named the league’s Most Valuable Player after what might have been one of the most competitive MVP races ever.
Westbrook wins the award over James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and LeBron James, who was not nominated. All three were very deserving but only one is able to win it. At the end of the day voters couldn’t help but be swayed by Westbrook’s triple double numbers. His raw production might have not been as efficient as Harden’s, but what he did on a basketball court was truly impressive. The OKC superstar averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists while leading the league in scoring.
Furthering Westbrook’s case was that he clearly carried the Thunder on a nightly basis. Oklahoma City just wasn’t the same team when he left the floor and that may have been what sealed the deal for many voters. This is the Most “Valuable” Player award and carrying that roster to the playoffs is obvious value.
