James admits KD has played “MVP-type basketball this season”.
Miami Heat star LeBron James has fallen short of conceding defeat in the race for the league MVP award, but admits Kevin Durant has been the “most consistent”.
With just a few games remaining in the regular season, James was quizzed on whether or not he felt that Durant was the front-runner as the playoffs rapidly approach.
“I would say he’s the most consistent basketball player as far as the MVP this year, man,” James said, as reported by ESPN. “He’s put up some great numbers.”
Having surpassed Michael Jordan’s mark by scoring at least 25 points in 41 consecutive games, Durant’s streak ended on Tuesday but that hasn’t effected his standing this season.
With Russell Westbrook out for a significant period with injury, the 25-year-old has been a consistent scorer and real leader for the Thunder in his absence, and many feel that this year he is more deserving of the award.
James, a four-time MVP, has seen his numbers dip slightly this season as the Heat continue their battle with the Indiana Pacers for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but he is still averaging 26.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists.
However, Durant has seemingly taken his game to another level this year and is averaging 32 points, 5.6 assists (both career marks), along with 7.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals.
While some will continue to argue that James is an all-round better team player that helps his team-mates perform better, there is no denying Durant’s impressive numbers as he looks to guide the Thunder back to the NBA Finals this year.
“I think KD has had one heck of a season,” James added.
“And, you know, if he’s rewarded with the MVP, it would be great. It would be awesome for him, for his family. He’s played MVP-type basketball. I don’t really get caught up into what people say. At the end of the day, they have their own votes and they go from there.”
With the possibility that the pair may meet in the Finals if they can navigate their way through their respective conferences, Durant will undoubtedly be looking to add a championship ring to go along with his regular season MVP award, if he is able to wrestle it away from James this year..
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