Aldridge earns MVP chants in win over Oklahoma City
By Joe Manganiello
Despite being a two-time All-Star and one of the best forwards in the Western Conference, LaMarcus Aldridge, to this point in his career, has never been a MVP candidate.
Until now… Well, if you ask his fans.
Aldridge had his best game of the season on Wednesday night, scoring a season-high 38 points on 17-28 shooting from the field against the formidable defense of the Thunder. The power forward added a game-high thirteen rebounds, dished out five assists, and was a perfect 4 for 4 from the foul line in the 111-104 home victory.
When Kevin Durant missed a three-pointer which could have brought the Thunder back within one, Aldridge swallowed up the rebound, forcing Russell Westbrook to foul and send him to the foul line with 24 seconds left.
And as Aldridge drilled the first shot, the Portland crowd began chanting the most famous three letters in sports.
Is Aldridge really a MVP candidate? With LeBron James flirting with the unprecedented 60/50/80 club – and coming off his best season as a professional – as well as Durant, Paul George and Chris Paul all playing at very high levels, it’s going to be difficult for Aldridge to climb up the short list of MVP contenders without the Trail Blazers winning a lot more games like the one last night.
At 15-3 on the season, however, LaMarcus Aldridge and the Trail Blazers do not appear to be shying away from any races any time soon.
Joe Manganiello (@joemags32) is a staff writer for PickinSplinters.com. He was published in the 2013-14 USA Today Sports College Basketball Preview. He studied journalism and cinema at Oswego State University – Peace, love, recycle and ball.
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