Thanks to the pushed-up start to the 2017-18 season, every NBA team enters December with at least 20 games under its belt. With that in mind, let’s hand out some first-quarter awards. These selections are intended solely as a reflection of games played through Thursday, rather than as a projection of the final year-end results.
(Note: All stats and rankings through Nov. 30.)
Most Valuable Player: James Harden, Rockets
Runners-up: 2. LeBron James (Cavs), 3. Kyrie Irving (Celtics), 4. Stephen Curry (Warriors), 5. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
Will 2017-18 finally be the year that James Harden (31.