Kevin Durant James Harden Brooklyn Nets
Kevin Durant #7 and James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets react during the second half against the LA Clippers at Barclays Center on Feb. 2, 2021, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Sarah Stier/Getty Images

KEY POINTS

  • Harden is averaging 26.0 points per game while shooting 46.8% from the field, 36.2% on three-point attempts, and 86.0% on FTs
  • Harden is becoming the Nets' focal point on an offense surrounded by superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving
  • The Brooklyn Nets are second in the Eastern Conference standings, just one game behind the Philadelphia 76ers 

Brooklyn's three-headed monster is ready to wreak havoc on the incoming NBA playoffs, and James Harden is leading the Nets to newfound glory. The 31-year-old shooting guard has been putting up stellar numbers across the board with 26.0 points per game while shooting 46.8% from the field, 36.2% on three-point attempts and 86.0% on FTs.

The Beard also averages 8.9 rebounds and 11.4 assists, becoming the Nets' focal point on an offense surrounded by superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Brooklyn has also gone 24-7 when Harden is on the floor, securing second place in the Eastern Conference division only a game behind the Philadelphia 76ers.

In a post-game interview after his 44-point explosion against the Detroit Pistons, Harden said that "I feel like I am the MVP." The Bellflower, California, native was replying to reporters who asked him if he feels like he belongs in the MVP conversation.

He added that "I mean, it's just that simple. I don't want to speak individually about myself. I'm just going to leave it at that." However, despite Harden's strong stance, he is still ranked sixth in the 2021 NBA Kia MVP Ladder.

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets leads the pack at number one, followed by Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. Damian Lillard of Portland Trail Blazers is ranked third. Reigning NBA Finals MVP LeBron James of the LA Lakers and Joel Embiid of Philadelphia 76ers are 4th and 5th, respectively.

Harden sits on the sixth spot. Other MVP notables include Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, Kawhi Leonard of LA Clippers, Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns and Stephen Curry of Golden State Warriors.

Despite his current standing, The Beard's chances are still up, considering the Nets still have 26 games before the playoffs begin. It's worth noting that both LeBron and Embiid are suffering from injuries right now.

James' only focus is winning the NBA title right now. With the free-agent acquisition of LaMarcus Aldrige and Blake Griffin, things are looking great for Brooklyn. The nets have suffered several first-round losses in the playoffs the past several years, and Harden aims to change that.

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