On Monday night, the NBA hosted its first ever end-of-the season awards show. This came after the Golden States Warriors thwarted the Cleveland Cavalier’s bid and hopes of winning the NBA championships for the second time in a row. The awards show brought together the league’s elite, their families, friends, fans as well as the media to New York City.
The inaugural NBA Awards held on June 26, 2017 honored the most valuable players, rookies and moments in professional basketball. In the contest for the NBA MVP (Most Valuable Player) award was 28-year-old Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City Thunder, 27-year-old James Harden of the Houston Rockets, and 25-year-old Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs. When the final moment came for the winner to be announced, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver delivered the much anticipated envelope containing a name: Russell Westbrook was announced as NBA’s Most Valuable Player.
An emotional Westbrook refused to take the credit alone and graced the stage with some of his teammates, thanking everyone who supported him. The Thunder star thanked his parents and almost shed a tear reminiscing how they sacrificed to ensure that he and his brother (his role model, he said) could live a better life. This man has a great attitude – it definitely contributed to his acquiring the NBA MVP award.
See the full list of winners from NBA Awards 2017 –
MEDIA-VOTED AWARDS
Kia NBA Most Valuable Player: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Kia NBA Rookie of the Year: Malcolm Brogdon, Milwaukee Bucks
Kia NBA Most Improved Player: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Kia NBA Sixth Man Award: Eric Gordon, Houston Rockets
NBA Coach of the Year: Mike D’Antoni, Houston Rockets
NBA EXECUTIVE-VOTED AWARD
NBA Basketball Executive of the Year: Bob Myers, Golden State Warriors
PLAYER-VOTED AWARDS
Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
NBA Sportsmanship Award: Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
COMMUNITY AWARD
Seasonlong NBA Cares Community Assist Award Presented by Kaiser Permanente: Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
FAN-VOTED AWARDS
Performance of the Year: Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson scores 60 in three quarters vs. Indiana Pacers
Game Winner of the Year: Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook vs. Denver Nuggets
Dunk of the Year: Oklahoma City Thunder’s Victor Oladipo vs. Atlanta Hawks
Assist of the Year: Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green to Stephen Curry to Kevin Durant vs. Indiana Pacers
Block of the Year: San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard vs. Houston Rockets
Best Playoff Moment: Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant vs. Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Finals
Best Style: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
SPECIAL NBA AWARDS HONORS
Lifetime Achievement Award: Bill Russell, Boston Celtics legend
Sager Strong Award: Monty Williams, San Antonio Spurs
Hustle Stats Award: Patrick Beverley, Houston Rockets
Jr. NBA Coach of the Year: Carrie Berran of Eagan, Minn
