2019 NBA MVP candidates

Group C: Contenders with a destructive narrative

2017 NBA Finals - Game Two

10) Stephen Curry, 9) Kevin Durant

It is impossible not to group these teammates together. They have already won three MVPs between them, and would probably have more had they stayed rivals instead of joining forces. As former MVPs who are still at the peak of their respective talents, there's no hidden message as to why they can win MVP. They have already done it, of course, and they have the tools to do it again.

By sharing the load offensively, they already have a huge dent in their chances. Factor in the immense universal hate for the Warriors (specifically for Durant as most fans are still angry with his decision to join the Warriors), the amount of games and fourth quarters of blowout wins in which they will be rested, and the incredibly high standards they have set for themselves through consistent excellence, now suddenly it's tough to see either one of them making a compelling enough case to claim the MVP despite being two of the best three or four players in the league.

Durant is a slightly better candidate than Curry right now, given Curry's injury history which resurfaced last season and restricted him to 51 regular season games. Should either of the pair be sidelined for an extended period, the other will have a golden opportunity to shoot to the top of the MVP race.