With recent injuries to MVP front-runners LeBron James and Joel Embiid, the race for the NBA's highest individual honor appears wide open—depending on who you ask, at least. According to Nets star James Harden, the award has his name written all over it.
With Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving out of the lineup Friday night against the Pistons, Harden led Brooklyn to a 113-11 win. He scored 44 points with 14 rebounds and eight assists on 14-for-30 shooting, notching his highest scoring output since joining the Nets.
When asked after the game whether or thought he belong in the MVP conversation, Harden's response was direct.