Russell Westbrook beats out Kawhi Leonard and James Harden for NBA MVP

  • 27/06/2017
Russell Wesbrook receives the Maurice Podoloff Trophy from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
Russell Wesbrook receives the Maurice Podoloff Trophy from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Photo credit: Getty Images

Oklahoma City thunder guard Russell Westbrook has been voted NBA most valuable player for the 2016/17 season after setting a record with 42 triple-doubles. 

The 28-year old joined legend Oscar Robertson as the only players to average a triple double in a season, also breaking Robertson's single-season triple-double record set 55-years ago.

Westbrook averaged 31.6 points, 10.4 assists and 10.7 rebounds per game across 81 games during the regular season, leading the Thunder to the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with a 47-35 record.

The newly crowned MVP received 69 first-place votes, finishing well ahead of James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James for the award.

Harden averaged 29.1 points, 11.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds across the season, while Leonard tallied 25.5 points, 3.5 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game.

Westbrook was favoured to win the award before the season tipped off, after former MVP Kevin Durant departed the Thunder to join the Golden State Warriors.

The Thunder star paid tribute to his family for all their support during his career leading up to this moment.

"Without you guys, I don't know where I would be," Westbrook said.

"I can't be standing here without your support, your sacrifice. Starting with my parents.

"I wouldn’t be able to do none of this without you guys. I can't say thank you enough."

Westbrook then looked to get emotional before saying "I told myself I wasn’t going to cry."

Earlier, Milwaukee's Malcolm Brogdon became the first player not picked in the first round to win NBA Rookie of the Year in the common draft era, while teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo won the Most Improved Player award.

Houston coach Mike D'Antoni won his second Coach of the Year award, and Eric Gordon was Sixth Man of the Year after setting a record for most 3-pointers off the bench.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green won defensive player of the year.

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