Westbrook slam-dunks NBA’s first MVP award

RUSSELL Westbrook proved an obvious choice as the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for the 2016/17 season, receiving his prize at the inaugural NBA Awards gala dinner held in New York on Monday night.

The 28-year-old point guard, pictured from the Oklahoma City Thunder was always likely to be a runaway winner after a season in which he became the first man in over 50 years to average a triple double (double figures in three of the main statistical categories) in a season. Westbrook was a one-man show at times for the Thunder last season, inspiring them towards the play-offs where they eventually bowed out to James Harden and the Houston Rockets – Harden was also shortlisted for the MVP award.

Asked if he could top a season in which he averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game, Westbrook said: “I don’t know. I get asked that question every year and I never know the answer. I just go out and play (my) best, and then whatever comes from it, that’s what it is.”

Also honoured at an awards ceremony hosted by Canadian rapper Drake and featuring a performance by Nicki Minaj, was Malcolm Brogdon, named rookie of the year, the ‘Greek Freak’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, the most improved player, and a nattily attired Draymond Green, who was named defensive player of the year.

MAIN AWARDS

NBA Most Valuable Player: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Rookie of the Year: Malcolm Brogdon, Milwaukee Bucks NBA Most Improved Player: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors NBA Sixth Man Award: Eric Gordon, Houston Rockets NBA Coach of the Year: Mike D’Antoni, Houston Rockets