Russell Westbrook: MVP Legend

The 2014-15 season should have been a low point for the Thunder. Durant played only 27 games through injury, the scoring-title defense was gone, and the offensive burden fell entirely on Westbrook. He didn't flinch — he produced the most explosive stretch of his career.

Averaging 28.1 points, he won his first scoring title. That version of Westbrook exploded off the first step before defenders could react, threw down poster dunks as routine, and pulled up for big shots without hesitation. He never cared whether the form was pretty; only whether the ball went in and his teammates got a look — which is why you'd see him kick out from a triple-team, or rise over a big man and hammer it through.

That scoring title meant more than numbers. It proved one thing: even without his steadiest weapon beside him, Westbrook could light up the whole arena by himself. Youth is meant to burn like this — with a "none of you can stop me" swagger, treating every game like the last of his career. Later he'd win MVP and break records, but the 2015 scoring title was the first time that fire burned, with no reserve, for everyone to see.

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For more Finals MVP breakdowns, see the Complete List of NBA Finals MVPs (1969–2026).