NBA Awards: Russell Westbrook Thunders Past James Harden, Kawhi Leonard to Win MVP

First-ever NBA Awards show hosted by Drake airs live on TNT from New York City

Russell Westbrook
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And while it was the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers who faced off in the NBA Finals earlier this month, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrooked as the winner of the MVP Award at Monday’s NBA Awards.

Westbrook edged out James Harden and Kawhi Leonard for the honor, and followed in the footsteps of former teammate and current NBA Finals MVP, Kevin Durant.

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.

After a somewhat boring regular season, predictable postseason and an explosive draft, the NBA Awards 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.

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

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