The Houston Rockets extended their current winning streak to four games with a narrow win against the New Orleans Pelicans yesterday, with James Harden and Anthony Davis putting on MVP-worthy performances for their respective teams.The Rockets marginally defeated the Pelicans 107-101 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Saturday. Harden finished the day with a double-double performance of 32 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists whilst being 11-of-28 from the field.Davis wasn't far behind his MVP rival, as he finished with double-double performance as well of 26 points, 13 rebounds, and an assist. He was also 11-of-18 from the field, meaning the competition between him and the Houston star for this year's MVP award is fierce.Speaking after the game, despite how well Davis and his team is playing since the injury of DeMarcus Cousins at the end of January, Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry still believes Harden is ahead of Davis in the race for the MVP award.Gentry said about the Rockets according to CBS Sports: "They're a great team with a great player. To me, [Harden's] the MVP of the league. He's done everything to earn that. His team's got the best record. He's the closer. He comes up with big shots when he needs to."

It's odd that Gentry wouldn't back his own player to win the MVP award, but the statistics certainly shown Harden is ahead of Davis in the race for the MVP award.

Harden has finished second in the MVP voting in two of the past three seasons, but this season might finally be his year. He leads the league with 30.9 points per game to go along with 8.7 assists and 5.2 rebounds, while Davis is averaging 28.0 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks on the season.

The Pelicans are only two games away from falling out of a playoff spot, so maybe this is the exact form of motivation from his head coach that Davis needs to not only prove his head coach wrong that he is the MVP of the year, but to also keep the team in the postseason hunt.

Both players will have a chance to keep their MVP form going this evening, as the Rockets play against the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Pelicans play against the Boston Celtics.

Listen HERE to the first episode of the new GiveMeSport NBA podcast, featuring former Cleveland Cavaliers General Manager David Griffin.

Enjoy, and please subscribe for all future episodes.