The Beard vs. The Greek Freak

James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo have separated themselves from everyone else in the NBA. They are the top candidates for this years NBA MVP award.

KEITH ALLISON
Giannis Antetokounmpo “The Greek Freak” getting hyped before a matchup against the Washington Wizards on January 15, 2018

By Andre Rodas, Print Editor-in-Chief
Apr 2, 2019

This year James Harden of the Houston Rockets seems to be ready to take yet another MVP award for his trophy collection, but even with the way he has played this season it is not guaranteed. Giannis Antetokounmpo has led his team, the Milwaukee Bucks, to not only the best record in the East, but in the whole NBA.

The Bucks are now 57-19 thanks to Antetokounmpo’s 27.4 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 6.0 apg, 1.3 spg, and 1.5 bpg while shooting 58.0 percent from the field. While Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are having a great season, Antetokounmpo’s ankle injury may hold him back from the MVP award.

With or without the injury, I still believe Harden deserves this years NBA MVP award.

Harden’s stats consist of 36.4 ppg, 7.5 apg, 6.5 rpg and 2.1 spg while shooting 44.3% from the field and 36.4 percent from the 3-point line. With 32 straight games of scoring 30 or more points this season, the Rockets are 49-28—fourth in the Western Conference and first in the Southwest Division.

When it comes down to the NBA MVP award this season there is no question that the battle for it is between “The Beard” James Harden and “The Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo. Who will take it home?