It's all over. I concede the case.
There was a very short period of time on Friday night when I actually felt LeBron might get right back into the picture, seriously so. But three things had to happen, and only one of them happened.
First, LeBron and the Heat had to beat Minnesota. Nope; Minnesota won and so LeBron's night ruined and attempt to make up games on OKC fails.
Second, OKC had to lose on national TV to Houston. That happened.
Third, Durant had to fail to tie the MJ streak. With one minute or so left to go in the game, this was on track to happen. Then Durant hit two late threes and he matched the MJ streak.
That's it, barring an OKC complete collapse now or LeBron going Super Saiyan for the last 10 games or something.
Had all three things happened on Friday -- and they took place maybe within like two hours of each other or so (end of MIN/MIA and end of OKC/HOU) -- then I think you could have seen a real shift in the conversation. Streak over, MIA in third place in the league standings and only two or so back of OKC in the standings, Durant and OKC losing on national TV and not looking great while doing so, all of that. Miami leading the East.
Didn't happen, it's over.
Congratulations to Kevin Durant on his first MVP trophy. It is well deserved, and should he keep his PER and WS/48 where they are at now, he will join an incredibly elite list of players to have had a 30+ PER season (only 7 have done so) and a .300+ WS/48 season (only 4 have done so, I think). This is the elite of the elite, the best ever, and Durant is deservingly about to join their ranks.
Bravo! What a year! I'm happy for KD and for the league.
