Harden: 'I feel like I am the MVP'
James Harden had another brilliant performance Friday, registering 44 points, 14 boards, and eight assists in the Brooklyn Nets' 113-111 victory over the Detroit Pistons.
The former MVP remains one of the game's most dynamic offensive players and believes his play with the Nets is deserving of a second career Maurice Podoloff Trophy.
"I feel like I am the MVP. I mean, it's just that simple," Harden told reporters postgame. "I don't want to speak individually on myself ... but I just try to go out there every single night and give my teammates everything I can bring to the game."
Harden entered Friday's contest averaging 25.4 points, 11.5 assists, 8.7 boards, and 1.4 steals over 30 appearances with the Nets. He assumed primary playmaking duties upon his arrival in January and leads the Association in assists.
The three-time scoring champ has stepped up during teammate Kyrie Irving's recent absence, posting 36.3 points, 13.3 assists, and 10.3 rebounds per game without the All-Star guard in the lineup.
Brooklyn has won 17 of its last 20 games and sits second in the Eastern Conference with a 31-15 record.