Russell Westbrook absolutely deserved the MVP. He brought energy to an otherwise lackluster game. It goes without saying that there is very little defense played in these games. This year's edition featured even more lackadaisical defense as guards went coast-to-coast without even having to change direction. Westbrook's play definitely benefited from that but he also brought the same energy that he does to every game he plays in. And in the Garden, that excitement was needed and welcomed.
So it didn't matter that he took more shots than anyone else. It didn't matter that he only gathered one assist. It mattered that when he came into the game the excitement was ratcheted up. For awhile it looked like LeBron would bring that excitement but after his first break he seemed to tone it down. Westbrook brought it and continued to bring it.
Westbrook also leads me to my next topic which is whether or not Oklahoma City can make the playoffs. They are currently a 1/2 game back of the 8th seed and 8 games back of Portland for the 3rd seed with about 30 games left. Sure it will be a hard road to make the playoffs but can you think of a scarier 8th seed? Durant will need to be completely healthy for this to work but even if he isn't, it will be fun as hell to watch Westbrook try to carry the Thunder to a playoff berth.
Other playoff things to watch. Will the Spurs make a move up the standings? Are the Warriors for real? Are the Hawks? Will the East still just come down the Bulls vs. the Cavs?
With football now out of the picture, I'm now fully committed to watching basketball and these are just some of the story lines I'll be checking out. Until next time, peace.
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