Let’s look at the raw MVP numbers, shall we?
James Harden, the reigning MVP and once again in contention for a possible second straight MVP award, is currently averaging 36.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 7.6 assists, with a true-shooting percentage (TS%) of 61.1 percent. Harden has become a near-unstoppable force who is capable of easily bypassing the 30-point mark, and having had many instances of single-handedly snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
However, against the Warriors last Wednesday night, Harden was made to look mortal. The Warriors played him excellently without falling prey to his foul-hunting tendencies, making him give up possession of the ball multiple times and making his life on offense as difficult as possible.