Damian Lillard has long had dreams about winning the NBA’s MVP award, and while his season with the Portland Trail Blazers won’t be enough this year, he’s in the conversation below front-runner James Harden. Lillard’s blistering January and February led him into an All-Star selection, and his play helped Portland sustain its 13-game win streak.
Given Lillard’s accomplishments this season, Zach Lowe of ESPN places him fifth for MVP:
The last spot came down to Lillard, Kevin Durant, Westbrook, LaMarcus Aldridge, the Toronto guards, and Nikola Jokic, keeping Denver alive to the last moment.