Curry for MVP #3, can he keep this up?

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Today's piece is about the man who broke barriers beyond the 3-PT line, and how he still can put up MVP type numbers. We all know that Stephen Curry has been the Warriors main guy, but this season feels a little different. With Klay out for the season and new players on this team, the feeling out process is noticeable, it's going to take a little time for them to gel together. He struggled in the first two games this season, he heard/saw the slander on social media, and he went straight to work. From game 3 and on Steph's been putting up numbers that have been similar to his MVP seasons.

In his first MVP season he averaged 23.8 points, 7.7 assist, and 4.3 rebounds. He shot 44.3 percent from the three and 48.7 percent from the field. Next season he topped that with 30.1 points, 6.7 assist, and 5.4 rebounds a game, not only that but he led the league in steals with 2.1 steals a game. On top of all that he went 40 50 90 from the three, field, and free throws. Right now he is averaging 27.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.1 rebounds a game. This includes their latest games where he only put up 11 points on a horrific shooting night against the Raptors, and 20 points against the Pacers. He is still shooting 37% from three and 43% from the field. As the offense gets more comfortable Steph's shooting percentages should jump, and we've all seen what can happen if #30 gets on a roll.

Now that we've compared stats per game let's look at his usage rate and PER. In the 14-15 MVP season his usage rate was 28.5 and his PER was 28.06. In his unanimous MVP season his usage rate was 31.6 and his PER was 31.56. Now lets look at his usage and PER through this season so far. His usage is at 31.8, which is a career high and his PER is at 22.84. Honestly looking at these stats I can make a case for him winning MVP. There's budding stars across the NBA, but not many can put on a show like the human torch out of the Bay Area.

The current odds for MVP according to FanDuel.com

#1 Luka Doncic (+480)

#2 Giannis Antetokounmpo (+600)

#3 Kevin Durant (+700)

#4 Stephen Curry (+750)

#5 Nikola Jokic (+950)

#6 Joel Embiid (+1000)

#7 LeBron James (+1100)

#8 Anthony Davis (+1600)

It won't be easy especially being every team's number one target on defense, throwing their best defensive player at Steph night in and night out. Multiple teams have applied double & triple teams in attempts to slow him down. As Wiseman, Wiggins, & Oubre all start to mesh this offense will look a lot more comfortable & fluid. Steph moves so well off the ball, using screens with Draymond and Wiseman will be able to create a ton of space, producing good looks along the way. Bottom line, Stephen Curry has legit takeover ability still, he's hearing constant buzz about his ability to keep this team relevant, and now he's fired up. The 3-time champ has a great shot at winning this year's MVP.

- James Parker, Upside Play

* Cover Photo Via: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press