Has Kevin Durant played enough games to win MVP again?
by Kamil Skwarek on Feb 6, 2015 | Views: 118 | Score: 0
| Fewest Games Played by MVP Award Winners | |
|---|---|
| Kevin Durant 2014-15* (if healthy) | 55 |
| Bill Walton 1977-78 | 58 |
| Allen Iverson 2000-01 | 71 |
| Steve Nash 2004-05 | 75 |
*If Kevin Durant were to win the MVP this year
Sources:
basketball-reference.com
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Probably not. Although Kevin Durant has played at an MVP level when healthy, he has only played 22 games. If he doesn't miss another game all season he will have only played 55 games. Nobody has ever won the MVP award with less than 58 games played. Note: The NBA implemented an 82 game schedule in the 67-68 season. Lockout shortened seasons in 1998-99 and 2011-12.
The prospect definitely looks bleak for Durant. Although, looking at the stats from your source, Karl Malone represents a similar outlier, playing only 49 games and still winning MVP in 1998-99. Maybe there is hope?
The 1998-99 season was actually a lockout shortened season so Malone's season has an asterisk next to it. When talking about Durant I don't think you can ever count him out! Voters value end of season performance much higher too.