Today marked the first day in the NBA playoffs, and already the questions over the MVP and Rookie of the Year award have been answered. With 38 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers proved that they are a force to be reckoned with. James, the favorite for the MVP award this season, delivered with an extraordinary performance, as he has done all year long. Kobe Bryant, last year's winner, has been putting up big numbers, but nothing like King James. Watching James--who wears number 23--I sometimes forget that someone else once wore that same number and changed basketball forever. Whether LeBron scores with a half-court shot or a monster dunk, there is no one as good as he is.
In addition, the rookie class of this 2008-2009 season has been extremely impressive as well. OJ Mayo, the early favorite for the Rookie of the Year award, has since had some slow months. However, Derrick Rose has been coaxed throughout the season and was able to put up 36 points and 11 assists against none other than the defending champs, the Boston Celtics. Although the Celtics were without their star, Kevin Garnett, the Bulls from Chicago just seemed to outplay the Celtics on their own court. Fueled by pure youth, Rose continued to charge at the Celtics and show the world that the Bulls can win even without the previously mentioned number 23.
As the playoffs continue, I hope to see my Laker team destroy the opposition as they open with Utah tomorrow. However, I am afraid to say that Kobe isn't a shoe-in for the MVP award. Nevertheless, I do consider his team to be almost guaranteed in the big dance. Perhaps, the closest thing Kobe will be to the MVP award is if he plays against LeBron in the Finals.
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