Since the start of the NBA season, two players have been the favorites for the MVP award, James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Both coming out of great seasons and interesting storylines. For Russell, it was the fact that he led the league in triple-doubles with 18 and then during the summer, his MVP award winning teammate left them for a team that beat them in the Western Conference Finals. On the other hand, James Harden was voted second in the MVP award voting and also lost what many considered a valuable piece to their team. In other words, both players had huge seasons, huge losses, and an even bigger cheap on their shoulder. They wanted to prove what they are capable of. They wanted to show the unimaginable… and so they did.

Right off the bat, Russell Westbrook took command of the Oklahoma City Thunders and begin to dominate the opposition by recording unprecedented numbers. James Harden led his team to a surprising start that placed them in the top of the NBA standings.

At the end of the season, Russell Westbrook had what many believe is the greatest NBA season ever. Ever! James Harden was not far behind. They are in a very neck-to-neck race for the MVP award. Russell Westbrook average triple-double for the first time since Oscar Robertson in 1962 and James Harden led the league in assists. In somewhat of a negative point for both players, they also broke the record for most turnovers in a season. A record that was thought unbreakable was broken twice in the same by the MVP leading candidates. The irony. In their defense, their usage on the court was outstanding and without them they would not even have reached the playoffs.

The playoffs are set. The Rockets will face the Thunders. Harden versus Westbrook. Who will win? Long story short, James Harden and Houston Rockets won 4-1. Of course, James Harden does have a better “supporting cast” than the one Russell had but the end of the day what matters is winning. Westbrook had a series to remember, recording a triple-double is no small feat and he did it three times. Although he was not able to lead the Thunders to the win and get them a step closer to the promised land, his effort and drive to never give up will not be forgotten. Harden from the start took command of the series; and even though all games except the first one were close, he knew the position he was in and proved why he is worthy of an MVP award.

This playoff matchup is what the playoffs are for. Show how the best teams and players face off against one another. This matchup certainly did not disappoint and as long as Harden and Westbrook play, there will never be much disappointment.