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Taylor Rene: James Harden is the MVP whether you like it or not

Taylor Rene: James Harden is the MVP whether you like it or not
James Harden was finally named MVP last night. Courtesy photo

James Harden won the MVP award last night over LeBron James and Anthony Davis by lifting the Rockets to the best record in the NBA, and leading the league in scoring. Harden made it through the brutal Western Conference, while LeBron was able to cruise to another NBA Finals appearance against the weak competition in the Eastern Conference. Harden's performance in the playoffs wasn't strong, but he was fantastic in the regular season. Besides, at least Harden was able to help to force a Game 7 against the Warriors, and LeBron didn't even win a game. 

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After another poor performance from former Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns' season is starting to look like an uphill climb. Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb is out for the year, and Cleveland fans aren't too pleased with the way Watson is playing, especially considering the massive contract extension he signed with the team. And we didn't even get to the off the field drama that comes with Watson.

However, Houston fans are invested in the Browns' season outcome as well, with the Texans holding the Browns' first round pick in 2024, and having sent their own first rounder to the Cardinals in the Will Anderson trade.

So each loss for the Browns, means a better draft pick for the Texans!

For Houston, it looks like they have their QB of the future in CJ Stroud. And he'll be on a less expensive rookie contract for the next several years, giving the Texans more cap space to upgrade the roster.

With all of this in mind, is it fair to question if the Texans dodged a bullet when Watson demanded a trade?

DeMeco Ryans vs. Lovie Smith

Plus, we're only two games into the season, but Lovie Smith's defense was much better (with a similar roster) than what DeMeco Ryans' defense has shown thus far, and DeMeco has the benefit of Will Anderson rushing the QB.

Are the struggles on defense more about the roster GM Nick Caserio has put together, or does this slow start fall on DeMeco?

Don't miss the video above as we break it all down!

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