Oklahoma City Thunder third year guard James Harden was named the 2011-2012 Sixth Man of the Year on Thursday. Harden received 115 of a possible 119 first place votes to finish with 595 points, ahead of other strong candidates Lou Williams from the Sixers (231 points) and Mavs guard Jason Terry (81 points).
Harden was the clear cut favorite for the award this season, averaging 16.8 ppg and 4.1 rpg and 3.7 apg in 62 games for the Thunder, starting only two. Harden led the NBA is scoring by a reserve, edging Terry (15.1). Harden’s play off the bench was a key component in the Thunder’s 47-win season and #2 seed in the West.
Lamar Odom, now in career limbo with the Mavs, won the award last season as a member of the Lakers. The Thunder are awaiting the winner of the Lakers/Nuggets series after sweeping the Mavs in the first round of the 2012 NBA playoffs.
-ALR
