Oklahoma City Thunder: Why Kevin Durant Is the Clear-Cut 2012 NBA MVP Thus Far

The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently sitting at 31-8 overall, which puts them in a tie with the Chicago Bulls for the best record in the NBA.

A large part of the Thunders' 2011-12 success thus far has been their dominant offensive production, which currently ranks third in the NBA with an average of 101.9 points per game.

While the Thunder have one of the most dynamic offensive tandems in the league in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, there's no doubt that the leader of the Thunders offense is Kevin Durant, who's the more prolific and more efficient scorer of the two players. 

When it comes to the player in the NBA that is truly the most valuable to his team, Kevin Durant earns that honor hands down, and I'm about to tell you why that makes him the clear-cut front-runner for the 2012 NBA MVP trophy.

The first reason why Durant is more deserving of the NBA MVP honor this year than any other player is because of what the Oklahoma City Thunder would be without him.

Thunder Would Be a Shell of Themselves Without Kevin Durant

The Oklahoma City Thunder are built to succeed around Kevin Durant, and they've been that way even before leaving Seattle for Oklahoma City after the 2007-08 NBA season.  While having Russell Westbrook is a nice addition for the Thunder, there's no doubt that the Thunder are centered on the offensive production and efficiency of Durant.

It could be argued that Westbrook is the real difference maker on the Thunder, as they've made the playoffs in two out of the three years he's been with the team, but Westbrook's style of play benefits from having opposing defenses focus their pressure on Durant.  Durant on the other hand, has produced at a 27-plus points per game level no matter who's been on the court with him, which just shows his impressive offensive prowess.

If you take any member of the Thunder off of the court, Durant is still the same player.  If you take Durant and his 28.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game average this season away from the Thunder on the other hand, the Thunder wouldn't be nearly the offensive powerhouse that they are now.  Defenses would shift their focus to Russell Westbrook, forcing other players like Kendrick Perkins, James Harden and Serge Ibaka to beat them, which just wouldn't happen.  

Durant's offensive versatility and increased offensive efficiency this year is the foundation of the Thunder's success, and if that foundation was taken away from Oklahoma City, they would falter in the Western Conference.

When you look at the other 2012 NBA MVP front-runner, LeBron James, the same can't be said for his value to the Miami Heat.  If you take LeBron out of the starting lineup, the Heat still have Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, who would be able to carry the Heat in the Eastern Conference, just like both players did with their respective teams before joining forces in South Beach.

LeBron's value to the Miami Heat is diminished by the talent that is around him, and while the same could be said about Durant, with Westbrook running the point, there's no doubt that the talent on the Heat is on a different level than the talent on the Thunder.

With all that being said, Durant being the foundation of the Thunder isn't the only reason why he's deserving of the 2012 NBA MVP trophy.  The next reason is because of something he has that LeBron James doesn't have, and that is, a killer instinct.

Kevin Durant Shows Up in the Clutch, When the Thunder Need Him

Thanks to www.82games.com, we have a statistical understanding of just how impressive Kevin Durant is in "clutch-time" situations.  Clutch-times are defined by 82 games as moments in the fourth quarter or overtime, with five minutes left in the game and neither team up by more than five points.  Just look at Durant's clutch-time performance this year as compared to other top-level NBA talent. (Averages are based on production per 48 minutes of clutch-time.)

Kevin Durant - 55.2 points, 41.6 FG%, +27 in team production while on the court

Kobe Bryant - 31.1 points, 27.9 FG%, +21 in team production while on the court

LeBron James - 35.8 points, 40.0 FG%, +2 in team production while on the court

It's clear to see that Kevin Durant is not only the most productive NBA player in "clutch-time", but he's also the most efficient player of the two other 2012 NBA MVP front-runners, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

The fact that Kevin Durant isn't afraid to take over games in the fourth quarter when his team needs him, is an incredibly valuable asset to have, and is something that can't be overlooked when it comes to who wins the 2012 NBA MVP trophy.

Durant has already hit two game-winners this season, with a three-point dagger against the Mavericks in Dec. and a foul-line jumper against the Rockets in Jan.  While game-winners aren't a prerequisite for NBA MVP trophies, there's no doubt that Durant's production in the clutch sets him apart from other candidates.

The final reason why Durant is the clear-cut front-runner for the 2012 NBA MVP trophy is because he's yet to miss a game this season for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Kevin Durant Does Not Sit Out Games, Something Few Players Have Done

While it might seem trivial, staying healthy and in your teams starting lineup is an extremely valuable aspect of playing in the NBA, and that's something that Durant has been able to do this season.

Durant has played in all 39 of the Thunders games this season, and he's done so by averaging 38.2 minutes per game.

If Durant is able to stay healthy throughout the remainder of the 2011-12 NBA season, and perform at the caliber that he has thus far, with averages of 28.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, with a PER of 27.24, there's no doubt that he will be in serious contention for the 2012 NBA MVP trophy.

What do you think?

Is Durant the front-runner for this year's NBA Most Valuable Player of the Year award?

Let your thoughts known in the comment section below, and don't forget to follow me on Twitter @petermerick.