Houston Rockets' James Harden: Playing all 82 games matters for MVP award

Don't be surprised if NBA players start stumping for themselves ahead of award season.

Houston Rockets guard James Harden, who again landed atop USA TODAY Sports' MVP race, made a pitch Tuesday ahead of their game against the Golden State Warriors.

Asked about the fact that he hasn't missed any of the Rockets' games this season, and Harden said it should definitely factor into the MVP race.

"Yeah, because you're not leaving your teammates out there to dry," he told reporters. "For me, I always worry about having my teammates' back and always being out there."

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Harden's biggest competition for MVP stems from Russell Westbrook, who also hasn't missed a game this season. Both players are chasing history, and neither seems intent on taking a night off. Westbrook (31.4 ppg) leads the NBA in points. Harden (11.3 apg) leads it in assists. The MVP award may well come down to preference for individual performance vs. team success. The Rockets have all-but locked up the No. 3 seed while the Thunder are currently the No. 6 seed.

"I'm going to have [my teammates'] back and they know that they have mine as well," said Harden "For the coaching staff and the fans, especially here in Houston, the front office, I'm here to play."

While not a direct shot, that could easily be interpreted as a general commentary on other MVP candidates LeBron James (67 games played) and Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (68). The race is largely viewed in the context of Westbrook and Harden, and unfortunately, the games played argument isn't going to distinguish one from the other.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Michael Singer on Twitter @msinger.