MVP Race: Is this a runaway race with Stephen Curry leading the way? Or can someone like LeBron James or Russell Westbrook make a big enough splash in the final 30 games. Curry is leading the league in scoring at almost 30 points per game and is the best player on the best team. A team that is also taking aim at 73 wins and another NBA title. The 27-year old Curry is entering his prime which is a scary thought for the rest of the league and adding another MVP is well in his reach. Sleeper Picks: LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
Three team race?: When you really breakdown the NBA there are realistically three teams that can win an NBA title; the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and San Antonio Spurs. But can anyone else make a run? What about Oklahoma City? The Clippers? In the East, the Toronto Raptors are just 4 games back of the Cavs but are they really a threat? It's not likely. Can anyone at the bottom potentially knock off the Cavs in the first round? Again, it's not likely. If that 8th seed ends up being the Chicago Bulls and Jimmy Butler is healthy they could provide a hurdle for LeBron and company. Sleeper Teams: Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Difference Maker: Every team has one of these players. Every team has that player who when it comes playoff time is making those clutch shots or making that defensive stop. Last year in the Finals Andre Iguodola had the task of guarding LeBron James and he did well enough to grab the Finals MVP. Two years ago Kawhi Leonard was the hero for the Spurs. Who will it be this year? For those three teams, Warriors, Cavaliers, and Spurs, each of them have an MVP that will need to show up as the season unfolds. For Golden State is Harrison Barnes. The Cavaliers will need Kevin Love to, A. Stay healthy and B. make big shots. San Antonio can rely on a few players but Tim Duncan could cement his legacy with an MVP performance and a Finals run.
Kobe's Sendoff: This is sad guys, Kobe Bryant is actually going to be done playing basketball in the NBA after this season is over. I don't care how terrible the Lakers are or how much of an embarrassment they are to the legacy of the purple and gold, Kobe is is still Kobe. As that was apparent by him having his finger dislocated, getting it popped back in, then going back in the game. God I love Kobe. He's the last of a dying breed. The type of player who is all about the game and not the luxury that comes with it off the court. I'm going to enjoy Kobe in these last handful of games while the rest of you compare him with MJ again and again. Can we just say that he's one of the greatest players of all time? And let's add a 'thank you' while we're at it. In case you don't remember what he used to do, here's a little flashback, Kobe Bean Bryant
Stephen Springer, Follow him on Twitter
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