James Harden is still angry he didn’t win MVP last season
The 2015 NBA MVP race appeared to be the closest we’ve seen in quite a few years. While LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook were all mentioned, the race was really between Stephen Curry and James Harden.
In the end Curry won the MVP award by a landslide, receiving 100-first place votes while Harden received 25-first place votes. As the Houston Rockets star prepares for another season, the bitterness of losing an award he thought he earned is still weighing heavy on his mind. In an interview with Fran Blinebury of NBA.com, Harden expressed his disappointment and explained why he should have won.
"“I am the best player in the league. I believe that,” Harden said. “I thought I was last year, too.”“I know I was the MVP. That’s 100 percent given all the things that happened last season.”"
A knee injury forced Dwight Howard to miss half of the season, a nerve inflammation, flu and a collapsed lung kept Terrance Williams sidelined for 49 games, Patrick Beverley tore ligaments in his left wrist in March and forward Donatas Motiejunas needed back surgery in April.
Despite a bevy of injuries, the Rockets finished with the No. 2 seed in the tough Western Conference.
"“There’s so many factors. I led the league in total points scored, minutes played. Like I said, I’m not taking anything away from Steph, but I felt I deserved the Most Valuable Player. That stays with me.”"
Hoping to have a full healthy roster and armed with a chip on his shoulder, Harden is ready to take on any and everyone in the upcoming season.
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