Paul George, James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo named finalists for MVP award

Ameer Tyree

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Paul George, James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo named finalists for MVP award image

The finalists for the NBA's MVP award have been named.

Paul George, James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo are still in the running for the honor, the league announced Friday.

George averaged 28 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists for the Thunder. He also led the league in steals (2.21) and is a top contender for Defensive Player of the Year.

Oklahoma City lost to Portland in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, bringing what was easily George's best year to an end.

Harden, the league's reigning MVP, led the NBA in scoring, averaging 36.1 points, which was the highest mark since Michael Jordan averaged 37.1 in the 1986-87 season. Harden also trailed George in steals, finishing with a second-best mark of 2.03.

His Rockets advanced to the second round before falling to the defending champion Warriors in six games.

Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to the best record in the NBA in 2018-19. Milwaukee finished the year at 60-22 and its superstar averaged 27.7 points and 12.5 rebounds on a staggering career-high 57.8 percent shooting.

He led the Bucks in every major statistical category but blocks and is also a top pick for Defensive Player of the Year. He was one of the most physically imposing players the league has ever seen this season. 

Milwaukee currently leads the second-seeded Raptors 1-0 in the Eastern Conference finals.

This year's crop of top talent has put on some spectacular performances throughout the year, but only one will be crowned king.

 

Ameer Tyree