James Harden Vs. Russell Westbrook Debate

Fox Sports

James Harden had another mind-blowing performance last night posting 40 points, 10 assists, and 15 rebounds. James Harden became just the 4th player in NBA history to have back-to-back 40 point triple doubles. The other three are Pete Marovich, Michael Jordan, and Russell Westbrook. The last guy of those three is currently competing with Harden for this year's NBA MVP award. The case could be made for both players to win the award, but here is a quick comparison of what they are doing this year.

James Harden

28.5 Points, 11.8 Assists, 8.4 Rebounds, 44% FG, 35% 3pt FG

James Harden has been somewhat of a surprise this season after Mike D'Antoni made the decision to have James Harden become the point guard for this team. There was a lot of speculation about how well Harden would make the transition. Clearly, Harden has adjusted fine to playing point guard. He has more than doubling his career assist average of 5.4 to 11.8 this season. Harden has also had a huge jump in his assist percentage. This year Harden has assisted on 52.2% of his team's field goals when he is on the floor. Looking at the team Harden has around him it is a little surprising that the Rockets are 31-9 and only 2.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors. The team's success is not all thanks to Harden, though. Much of their success should be credited to Mike D'Antoni. D'Antoni's offense is a perfect fit for the group of guys he has. That's not to take away from Harden's performances, but he may not have the high-level success he is having without the offense he is in.

Russell Westbrook

31.2 Points, 10.4 Assists, 10.6 Rebounds, 43% FG, 34% 3pt FG

Westbrook currently is the MVP favorite. Westbrook is averaging a triple double, something that has been done this far into the season since Oscar Robertson. Aside from Westbrook's numbers he has a lot more carrying to do with his team. Unlike Harden, Westbrook is in an offensive system that relies solely on his ability to create for others. Westbrook also has a higher usage percentage than James Harden. While Harden is at 34%, Westbrook is at 42.2% which proves that Westbrook has to do a lot more for his team when he is on the floor. Westbrook also has a higher assist percentage than Harden assisting on 57.6% of his team's baskets when he is on the floor. Westbrook is statistically beating out Harden in every category except win shares. Harden currently has more win shares than Westbrook. This makes sense considering the Thunder have a record 23-16 and are seventh in the Western Conference.

Harden is performing very well this season and if continues to string together games like he has had lately he may be able to pass Westbrook as the MVP favorite. Another thing in Harden's favor is his team's performance. The Rockets have 8 more wins than the Thunder right now and are currently on a 9 game winning streak going into tonight's game against the Timberwolves. The Thunder, on the other hand, are 5-4 in their last nine games going into tonight's game against the Grizzlies. With half a season to go Harden still has a shot at catching Westbrook.