NBA 2017-18 season: Best of the West

Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors looks on in... — Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors looks on in 2017 NBA Global Games China at Universidade Center on October 5, 2017 in Shenzhen, China. Credit: Getty Images / Zhong Zhi

By Greg LoganGregory.Logan@newsday.com GregLogan1October 17, 2017

The Best Players

Kevin Durant, Warriors Conventional wisdom says LeBron James is best in NBA, but 2017 Finals proved it was Durant, who averaged 28.5 points on 55.6 percent shooting.

Steph Curry, Warriors Averaged 28.1 points during playoffs, shot 48.4 percent from field, 41.9 percent from three-point range Also had 6.2 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 2.0 steals.

Kawhi Leonard, Spurs Averages 25.5 points per game, shoots 48.5 percent from field, totaled 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists last season. Leonard is among premier defenders in NBA.

Russell Westbrook, Thunder NBA MVP became first to average triple double (31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists) since Oscar Robertson (1961-62). Reached playoffs without Durant.

James Harden, Rockets MVP runner-up averaged 29.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 11.2 assists, earned unbelievable 881 free throw attempts, led Rockets to second round.

Best shooters

Gary Harris, Nuggets

Steph Curry, Warriors

Seth Curry, Mavericks

CJ McCollum, Trail Blazers

Kevin Durant, Warriors

Best rebounders

DeAndre Jordan, Clippers

Rudy Gobert, Jazz

Karl Anthony-Towns, T-wolves

Anthony Davis, Pelicans

DeMarcus Cousins, Pelicans