Harden wins MVP over James, Davis to highlight NBA awards

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — James Harden of the Houston Rockets was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Monday night.

He joined Michael Jordan as the only players to average at least 20 points, eight assists, five rebounds and 1.7 steals in a season.

Harden led the league in scoring, 3-pointers and 50-point games with four while helping the Rockets to an NBA-leading 65 wins.

Harden beat out four-time winner LeBron James of Cleveland and Anthony Davis of the Pelicans.

Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons won Rookie of the Year honors. The guard averaged 15 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, joining Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson as the only rookies to post those numbers in a season. He beat out finalists Donovan Mitchell of Utah and Jayson Tatum of Boston.

Indiana’s Victor Oladipo won Most Improved Player. Utah’s Rudy Gobert won Defensive Player of the Year. The Clippers’ Lou Williams won Sixth Man of the Year. Dwane Casey was named Coach of the Year for his season with Toronto.