Chris Paul's Cracking Under Pressure Ensures Kobe Bryant as MVP

Kobe Bryant has always been my pick as MVP for this season, but Chris Paul was a close second.

On April 1st in Orlando, Chris Paul missed two free throws that, in my mind, clinched the MVP award for Kobe.

With the Hornets up by one with 6.8 seconds left, Paul had two free throws that would have at least guaranteed them overtime if Orlando was to make their next shot. Paul missed both free throws.  Luckily for him, Keyon Dooling left his game winning jumper at home. 

You can’t give LeBron the award because his team hasn't won enough games. Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant both have superb numbers and are key parts to their team, but Paul’s failure under pressure surely means Kobe gets the award.

Kobe has the edge over Paul when it comes to producing the goods down the stretch. Sure, Paul produced the game winning assist in their win against Cleveland, but how often can anybody find an open man at that stage of a game?   

Personally, if I could choose anybody to take that game winning shot, it would definitely be Kobe Bryant. He can create his own shot better that anyone else in the league and has hit plenty of game winners in his time in the NBA. 

For this reason I think Kobe is the MVP. This is the last season I see Kobe having any chance of getting the award, because LeBron James will only get better over the summer and will be unstoppable in 08-09. 

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?