Kevin Durant has insisted that it is too early in the NBA season for him to be considered this year's MVP.
The Oklahoma City Thunder forward is the league's leading points scorer so far this campaign, and set a new career high by adding 54 against the Golden State Warriors last night.
The 25-year-old told reporters: "It's premature. It's way too early in the season. I try not to think about that type of stuff. Of course, as a player, you'd love to win an MVP award, but I can't take my focus off the team.
"Every day, I've just got to keep chipping away, keep enjoying the process, and we'll see what happens. As a leader, my main objective is to serve my teammates, help them out.
"Some nights, I've got to put it up, I've got to score. Some nights, I've got to do other things. Tonight, they found me and I was able to hit a few shots. I just tried to do as best as I can to lead the team and lead us to victory."
Durant has scored at least 36 points in each of his last three games.
Sian Cowper
