Harden is the MVP and it's not even close

Image via USA Today Sports/Troy Taormina

James Harden is playing at a level that very few players have ever reached. No team can stop him as of late and his dominance doesn't seem like it will stop anytime soon. With the stats Harden is putting up and the performances he is providing, Harden has a solid argument for one of the greatest offensive players of all time. With Harden winning the MVP award last year he is looking to add another one to his trophy room.

In the last 31 games, Harden as scored at least 30 points and over 40 in 17 of those contests, including four 50-plus-point games. He even had a Kobe Bryant - esque 61 at Madision Square Garden. With Harden averaging more than 36 points per game he is having a historic season. Along with this he is also averaging 8.1 apg and 6.6 rpg. With these stats to go along with the Rockets recent success it is very hard for another player to pull ahead.

With Harden's performances and spectacular clutch finishes the rest of the NBA has taken notice. This is no exception for fellow MVP candidate Paul George. When asked about his own MVP case, he instead insisted on speaking for Harden's. "I’ll speak on James’ case,” George told Action Network. “He’s the only guy that can create and do things [for the Rockets]. I think you have to account for the guy that’s going to do whatever it takes.” George may be the only one outright saying this, but everyone knows that Harden creates everything for the Rockets. Any success by the Rockets, is always traced back to one man, James Harden.

Harden can put up high-scoring performances and show-off his flashy skills, but it doesn't matter if the Rockets don't experience this same success. In the last 31 games where Harden has scored 30+ points the Rockets have gone 21-10, a huge improvement compared to their 12-14 start.

Anyone who watches basketball knows the famous Harden step-back, or infamous for some of the missed travel calls. Nevertheless no one has found an answer for it, and it has become Harden's signature shot. When you think Sky-Hook you think Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar, similarly when you think Step-Back you think James Harden.

What possibly makes Harden's game so dangerous is that Harden can score over anyone. Whether is 7'0 Kevin Durant or 2x DPOY Kawhi Leonard, Harden scores and a lot at that. As soon as Harden crosses half-court he is a threat. He can create opportunities to get himself open or draw a foul on the shot. With teams focusing on trying to stop Harden, the rest of the team is getting opportunities and Harden is capitalizing with his quick and flashy passes.

With James Harden coming out of the All-Star break, don't expect his hot streak to stop soon. For years to come Harden will be one of the best scorers in the league and one of the most exciting as well, but this year Harden is more than that. He is the MVP.