NBA Awards: Russell Westbrook Thunders Past James Harden, Kawhi Leonard to Win MVP
After a somewhat boring regular season, predictable post-season and an explosive draft, the NBA Awards are finally here.
The inaugural awards show for the NBA featured the league’s biggest stars and aired live on TNT from New York City Monday night.
Drake added even more star power to the night by hosting the show — and roasting many of the guests. Unfortunately for the rapper, however, none of his beloved Toronto Raptors players were in the running for the honors.
Also Read: Drake Wears a 'Doris Burke' Shirt, Asks 'NBA on ESPN' Reporter Doris Burke Out Mid-Game
And while it was the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers who faced off in the NBA Finals earlier this month, neither team was represented in the race for the MVP award, as James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Kawhi Leonard battled it out.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Westbrook ended up walking away with the coveted award, following in the footsteps of former teammate and current NBA Finals MVP, Kevin Durant.
Also Read: Dennis Rodman Defends North Korea, Takes Credit for Otto Warmbier's Release (Video)
Westbrook dedicated his award to his wife, Nina, telling her: “You’re the best wife a husband like me could ask for.” The college sweethearts welcomed their first son, Noah, in May. Westbrook also won the fan-voted Best Style Award.
"You're the best wife a husband like me could ask for." -@russwest44 to his wife as he accepts the 2016-17 KIA MVP Award. #NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/GWGJ63YwhB
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 27, 2017
Also Read: Pittsburgh Penguins Set to Visit White House, Golden State Warriors Haven't Decided Yet
See the full list of nominees, with the winners in bold, below.
MVP:
James Harden, Rockets
Russell Westbrook, Thunder *WINNER
Kawhi Leonard, Spurs
Rookie of the Year:
Malcolm Brogdon, Bucks *WINNER
Joel Embiid, 76ers
Dario Saric, 76ers
Sixth Man of the Year:
Eric Gordon, Rockets *WINNER
Andre Iguodala, Warriors
Lou Williams, Lakers/Rockets
Coach of the Year:
Mike D’Antoni, Rockets *WINNER
Gregg Popovich, Spurs
Erik Spoelstra, Heat
Most Improved Player:
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks *WINNER
Rudy Gobert, Jazz
Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
Defensive Player of the Year:
Rudy Gobert, Jazz
Draymond Green, Warriors *WINNER
Kawhi Leonard, Spurs
Sager Strong Award
Monty Williams, Spurs
NBA Lifetime Achievement Award
Bill Russell, Celtics
NBA Sportsmanship Award
Kemba Walker, Hornets
NBA Cares Community Assist Award
Isaiah Thomas, Celtics
NBA Hustle Award
Patrick Beverley, Rockets
Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year
Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks
Executive of the Year
Bob Myers, Warriors
Fan Awards
Best Style
Russell Westbrook, Thunder * WINNER
Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
Iman Shumpert, Cleveland Cavaliers
Assist of the Year
Draymond Green and Stephen Curry, Warriors * WINNERS
Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
Chris Paul, LA Clippers
Block of the Year
Hassan Whiteside, Heat
Kristaps Porzingis, Knicks
Kawhi Leonard, Spurs * WINNER
Dunk of the Year
Larry Nance Jr., Lakers
Zach LaVine, Timberwolves
Victor Oladipo, Thunder * WINNER
Game Winner of the Year
Tyler Ulis, Suns
Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers
Russell Westbrook, Thunder * WINNER
Performance of the Year
Best single-game performance in the regular season
James Harden, Rockets
Devin Booker, Suns
Russell Westbrook, Thunder
Klay Thompson, Warriors * WINNER
Best Playoff Moment
Isaiah Thomas, Celtics
John Wall, Wizards
Kevin Durant, Warriors * WINNER
Related stories from TheWrap:
NBA Draft: Philadelphia 76ers Take Markelle Fultz With the First Pick
ESPN's Doris Burke Wins Praise on Twitter for 'Effortless' NBA Championship Trophy Presentation
NBA Finals: Golden State Warriors Beat the Cleveland Cavaliers – Again