3 reasons why Russell Westbrook can become 2018-19 MVP

#1 Westbrook has overcome his earlier excuses

An Injured Russell Westbrook

Though it wasn't long ago when Westbrook last won MVP, things have changed since then. The team has suffered changes and he's had problems of his own. Unfortunately, Westbrook's first two years as the alpha on the team have only finally begun to add up. Those are some of the excuses that he has had in the past and these are the same excuses he has overcome this season to make it into the MVP race.

First came the year Kevin Durant left. Honestly, this created a statistical nightmare-like situation for OKC and the roster just didn't fit. However, the silver lining to this year was Westbrook's single-handed attempt to pull the team up and the miracle in which the team made it to the playoffs.

The next year was no better and a new roster didn't change much for the team as it was created through free agency. Westbrook, being the alpha, could not function without a proper support team, and this was missing from the combination of Carmelo Anthony, George, and Westbrook.

Anyhow, this season, none of these distractions or excuses exist. The one looming issue is the possibility of an injury, but so far Westbrook has bounced back super fast throughout the season. Realistically OKC could never fully beat a team like Golden State, but they have their chances as individuals in other parts of the competition.