NBA MVP race - breakin it down

_{By Ryan Abreu}

Wow the MVP race this year has been off the charts. As a huge NBA fan I am loving it. As a Laker fan.... I am holding my breath. This is the closest race I have personally seen in several years and I just wanted to break down my personal choices for who the MVP should be this season.

1. Chris Paul (NO: 55-23)

Stats - ppg: 21.2 rpg: 4 apg: 11.5 stls: 2.7 blks: 0

TO: 2.50 FG%: 0.489 FT%: 0.850

Break Down: It's hard not having my main man Kobe at #1. CP3 has just been too impressive to ignore. New Orleans is currently 1.5 games ahead of LA for the top spot in the West. This kid (he's actually slightly older then me) is only in his third year in the league and is statistically having a better season then both of Nash's MVP campaigns in 04-05 and 05-06. He is also the league leader in assists (ahead of Nash 11.2) and steals (ahead Baron Davis 2.4). If he can hold on to these in the next 5 games he will be the first player to lead the league in these 2 categories since John Stockton did in 91/92.

2, Kobe Bryant (LA 54-24)

Stats - ppg: 28.5 rpg: 6.4 apg: 5.4 stls: 1.9 blks: 0.5

TO:3.18 FG%: 0.461 FT%: 0.840

Breakdown:

Mamba's scoring is below 30ppg for the first time in 3 years. However, he is first in points scored this season (2254) over Lebron’s (2176). If he holds on this will be his 4th year leading the league in scoring and will join MJ 11 times, Chamberlain 7 times, and George Gervin 4 times. Kobe has instilled confidence in guys like: Bynum, Walton, Farmar, Vujacic and Radmanovic who have been with the team for the past few years. Kobe is also the most feared player in clutch situations. If the Lakers didn't slip up over the past few weeks with losses to Memphis, Charlotte and Portland I would have Kobe at #1. Today’s game (Why is this not being Televised) against LA and NOH will definitely play a role in the final votes.

3. Lebron James (CLE 43-35)

Stats - ppg: 30.2 rpg:7.9 apg: 7.3 stls: 1.8 blks: 1.1

TO:3.36 FG%: 0.482 FT%: 0.718

Breakdown: Statistically Lebron is easily having the best season out of anyone in the league. The last player to put up at least 30-8-8 was MJ in 88/89. He is probably going to fall short of this achievement as well as fall short in the MVP race. The reason for this is that his team’s record is 43-35 good enough for 4th in the East. However, in the West the Cavs would be sitting at 10th behind Golden state and eliminated from the playoff picture. His phenomenal stat line is sure to land him a lot of 3rd place votes and a few first and seconds.

4. Kevin Garnett (Bos 62-16)

Stats - ppg: 19.0 rpg:9.4 apg: 3.5 stls: 1.4 blks: 1.2

TO:1.99 FG%: 0.540 FT%: 0.798

Breakdown: The Big Ticket will surely have some writers punching his MVP ticket. The Celts have already clinched the best record in the league. Garnett's presence has changed the attitude on the team and he is clearly the leader of the star studded Boston team. It's no secret that team record is huge factor in determining MVP which was seen with Nowitzki MVP campaign last year. The Celtics just have too much fire power and Peirce has had a lot to do with the teams success. KG has also missed 10 games and I believe they are 8-2 without him. I'm sure he won't be too disappointed not winning MVP since Allen, Pierce and KG are focused on grabbing a championship.

5. Dwight Howard (Orl 49-29)

Stats - ppg: 21.0 rpg:14.4 apg:1.3 stls: 0.9 blks: 2.2

TO:3.21 FG%: 0.598 FT%: 0.590

Breakdown. This 5th spot was a tough one because I don’t think anyone else has a chance of getting a first place vote besides the first 4 guys I have up. Also, the race right now should pretty much be down to Kobe and Paul. Howeard's season has been brilliant and its scary because Superman is only going to keep on improving. Howard has a league leading 67 double doubles and is going to be the youngest player to lead the league in rebounding. Just have to mention that Howards dunk performance was one of the best sets of 4 dunks have seen since VC and J Rich. I am almost sure that Howard has more dunks on the season then many NBA teams (if anyone has a stat on that send it my way).

Well that’s my rundown of the MVP race. If you noticed I have a PG, SG, SF, PF and a C as my top 5. Hence the title of the entry. This was a total coincidence.