MVP watch

Fresh Prince

1. Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder 32.0ppg, 7.5rpg, 5.5apg)

2. LeBron James (Miami Heat, 27.0ppg, 6.9rpg, 6.4apg)

3. Blake Griffin (LA Clippers, 24.1ppg, 9.6rpg)

The MVP discussion continues this week with an interesting comment from LeBron James. He spoke of Durant’s incredible year and said “he’s the most consistent player as far as MVP this year.” Does this mean LeBron thinks KD should be MVP. Hell no. LeBron is simply commending his rival on a great season and how he believes KD is worthy of being awarded the MVP award.

Standouts

FB - Charlotte Bobcats

As I mentioned last week the Bobcats were a win or two away from clinching a playoff spot and they have done so in fine style. Going 7-3 in their past 10 games, along with a five game win streak the soon-to-be Charlotte Hornets are sitting 6th in the East, holding a tie breaker over the Washington Wizards whom they beat in a playoff like game that went to double overtime. The significance of that 6th spot in the East is very important, as the 7th and 8th seed’s will play either the Miami Heat or the Indiana Pacers. The 6th seed will play the Toronto Raptors or the Chicago Bulls. The Bobcats have done a great job so far closing out the season and that 6th seed is a significant one.

Chicago Bulls

Tom Thibedou (Bulls head coach) has done an incredible job the past few years with the Chicago Bulls. They are currently 46-32 sitting 4th in the East and are even with the Toronto Raptors. Not bad considering they haven’t had Derrick Rose for the majority of the year. There are rumours that he may be able to return for the playoffs as well as Team USA being interested in Rose attending their summer camp. Without Rose the bulls are still a contender and have won 6 straight games as they chase the number 3 seed.

Teams on the rise – (Last 10 games)

San Antonio Spurs (8-2)

Phoenix Suns (8-2)

Toronto Raptors (8-2)

Chicago Bulls (8-2)

Charlotte Bobcats (7-3)

Teams on the slide (Last 10)

FP - Milwaukee Bucks (1-9)

Boston Celtics (1-9)

Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers (2-8)

Indiana Pacers (3-7)

Performance of the week

FP - Joakim Noah – 15 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists

Another week with several good performances but no outstanding ones. My performance of the week this week goes to Joakim Noah who recorded his 4th triple double of the season against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Noah has been phenomenal for the Bulls anchoring their stout defense and being versatile on offense. In fact the only centres with 4+ triple doubles with points, rebounds and assists are David Robinson, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain (NBA.com).

Play of the week

DeAndre Jordan posterizes the leagues best shot blocker in Serge Ibaka

Notables

DeAndre’s dunks versus Thunder, the third one came straight after the second one

Gerald Green at it once again

Storyline Watch/Random thoughts

FP - Playoff Race

The race is almost over as we near the seasons end. In the eastern conference the Heat, Pacers, Raptors, Bulls, Nets, Bobcats and Wizards have all clinched playoff spots. The eight seed is still on the line with the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks both chances. Atlanta however have the Bucks to play while New York have the Raptors and Bulls to play so it’s unlikely they’ll be able to sneak into the playoffs. The Western Conference playoff spot is likely to last a little longer as Spurs, Thunder, Clippers, Rockets and Trailblazers being the only teams to clinch spots. The Warriors sit 6th at 48-29, Dallas 7th at 48-31, Suns 8th 47-31 and the Grizzlies are outside looking in at 46-32. The Grizzlies have favourable matchups in the 76ers and Lakers however all teams in contention are playing well so I expect the race for the final spots in the west too go down to the wire. They also play the Suns later in the week which will likely be a very important game.

Games to watch (All NZT)

Similarly too last week the games to watch are the ones with playoff repercussions. I’ve listed a few but as the season closes these will vary in importance but it is nonetheless looking like an exciting finish.

Knicks @ Raptors on Saturday

Hawks @ Nets on Saturday

Pacers @ Heat on Saturday

76ers @ Grizzlies on Saturday

Suns @ Spurs on Saturday

Suns @ Mavericks on Sunday

Thunder @ Pacers on Monday

Warriors @ Blazers on Monday

Grizzlies @ Suns on Tuesday

Mavs @ Grizzlies on Thursday