Blake Griffin has always been a popular player. He was often criticized as 'overrated' and the beneficiary of being Chris Paul's teammate. Now, Griffin has a different tag associated with him: NBA 2014 MVP.

He is perhaps one of the most maligned inside players in the league. Fans love him, and ESPN Sportscenter should pay him as a regular contributor. His presence has made the Los Angeles Clippers relevant again. (If only he really smacked Justin Bieber..)

Critics often say that Griffin does not deserve all the accolades he receives. His slam dunk title was in question, his multiple starting nods to the All-Star Game was undeserved-it's just because of the fan vote.

Another knack on Griffin is that his numbers are padded by playing with Chris Paul. Those alley-oops from the perfect lob passes are just too easy, and while Griffin does them beautifully, it is argued that any other NBA player can also convert those shots. This is why Paul is still considered the MVP of the Clippers, not Griffin.

Until this season. CP3 got injured, and all the naysayers declared that the Clippers will falter. Griffin proved them all wrong:

From ESPN: "It was their 13-6 record while Paul was out with a shoulder injury when Griffin both flourished and carried the Clippers. He showed that you can run the offense through him, or that he can initiate the offense himself by bringing the ball upcourt. He can get key buckets in the fourth quarter. Of late, his greatest quality has been his consistency. This was Griffin's 23rd consecutive game with at least 20 points, the second-longest streak in the NBA this season behind Durant's 36-and-counting."

Yes, he is still a notch below the top candidates Kevin Durant and Lebron James. Durant endured without Russell Westbrook just as Griffin did without Paul. But if the Clippers gain a better record than OKC or Miami, then the highlight reel stuffer must be taken seriously.

Blake Griffin: 14-16 from field; 1st player to shoot that well in game with 16+ shots since Josh Smith in 2010 pic.twitter.com/v6a2Ey7LjG

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 11, 2014