2008 NBA MVP Race
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10. Paul Pierce - Boston Celtics - His statistics are down (19.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 4.6 apg) but Paul Pierce managed to adjust his style of play in order to make room for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Pierce’s defensive pressure helped transform Boston into the best team in the NBA.
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9. Amare Stoudemire - Phoenix Suns - While Steve Nash gets all the credit in Phoenix, Amare Stoudemire has taken his game to the next level, thanks to the addition of Shaquille O’Neal. The power forward averaged 29.3 points in March and April after O’Neal joined the starting lineup.
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8. Tim Ducan - San Antonio Spurs - Mr. Consistent is having another solid quiet season for the San Antonio Spurs. The two-time MVP (’02 and ’03) is a lock to average 20 points and 10 rebounds a season and with Duncan in the middle, the Western Conference finals still goes through the Alamo.
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7. Tracy McGrady - Houston Rockets - McGrady showed signs he has improved as a leader, helping Houston to win a franchise record 22-straight games. Besides from missing a handful of games here and there, T-Mac has been Houston’s most consistent player with Yao Ming out.
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6. Dwight Howard - Orlando Magic - The early favorite for the MVP award at the start of the season, Dwight Howard has soared leaps and bounds (get it?) for the Orlando Magic. The 22-year-old leads the NBA in rebounding (14.3 rpg) and averages nearly 21 points a game.
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