James Harden, Russell Westbrook done talking about who's MVP

James hasn't played in a Game 6 in a first-round series since 2008. Many fans expected the Thunder to completely miss the playoffs after Kevin Durant chose to sign with Golden State over Oklahoma City. Last season was Donovan's first foray into the postseason, so after three hard-fought series, Donovan enters this playoff run with a few takeaways, including one simply about how much perseverance must take place during the course of a series. Thomas took his game to the next level this season, finishing third in the National Basketball Association in points per game at 28.9, only behind Westbrook and Harden.

While Mike D'Antonio has put forth some of the best offenses in National Basketball Association history, his regular season success hasn't translated to the playoffs. The Admiral averaged 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.2 blocks, and 2.9 assists per game.

The workload for Harden changed this season, unlike in previous years. And, as LeBron said, we're not playing tough enough. "He brings it every game". Expectations were blatantly low for the franchise in the highly competitive and ever-improving Western Conference. Harden one way or another should keep the Rockets offense humming along.

None of this means that Westbrook is inarguably the rightful victor of the MVP award, but it's worth noting that players put a higher premium on some of the things Westbrook did this season.

If Westbrook has an average night or two, this will be a short series, because there is no cavalry coming for the Thunder. To say we don't trust the Spurs is an understatement.

Beverley took it a step further. Yet, they haven't always succeeded, even if point guard Patrick Beverley pesters Westbrook as much as any other 1-guard in the league. As the No.3 seed in the Western Conference, Houston is the prohibitive betting favorite over the No.6 Thunder. "And to have both of those guys go at one another in the first round - former teammates, great friends, the two leading scorers in the Association - from our side. this is a dream matchup to sit and have a chance to watch". Or, will Harden guard Roberson and Westbrook guard Beverly?

Houston scored the next nine points, capped by consecutive 3-pointers by Beverley to make it 73-64 midway through the period. Westbrook goes out there bowling himself into the defense, looking for a 300 game.

"Sitting down and talking to him, talking to the medical staff, this was an opportunity [to rest him]", Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan said. "You have to go out there and do all those things and still play hard".

Still, I think both teams probably feel confident on either court.

Harden made a pair of free throws to cap the third quarter and leave Houston up 89-74 entering the fourth. D'Antoni's teams were swept in the first round in his last two trips to the playoffs in 2011 with the Knicks and 2013 with the Lakers. Houston also beat Oklahoma City three out of four times in the regular season.

The Rockets led 59-54 at halftime. "Also build-outs to the three-point line are going to be huge". He averaged a league-high 99.5 touches per game, according to NBA.com's SportVU data, just barely ahead of Houston's James Harden, who was second. Jerami Grant had 10 points.

And 14 games where he scored at least 30 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. The question is whether Houston can corral it just a tiny bit.

Steven Adams is a stalwart at centre, his contribution on the boards and as a rim protector are vital for the Thunder on defence, while being a pick-and-roll option on the offensive end. We were just absolutely garbage. "He makes a lot of it go". But Robinson managed to put up 23.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 2.7 assists in six games.

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