The Golden State Warriors followed up their NBA Championship win earlier this summer with the award for Best Team Wednesday night at the 25th annual ESPY Awards.
The team also picked up a second win, as reigning NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant was awarded Best Championship Performance.
In a somewhat ironic turn, Best Male Athlete went to Durant’s former teammate, Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook, who also happens to be the NBA’s 2016-17 regular season MVP.
Meanwhile, Olympian Simone Biles was named Best Female Athlete and the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 World Series win landed them the ESPY for Best Moment.
But, in case you were wondering, LeBron James is still the best basketball player overall — at least according to ESPY voters, who named him Best NBA Player.
Honoring outstanding performers, players and moments from the past year in sports, the 2017 ESPYs were broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, and hosted by recently retired NFL quarterback Peyton Manning.
Among this year’s list of presenters were ESPN’s Chris Berman, Bryan Cranston, former NFL star Eddie George, Samuel L. Jackson, former WNBA player Nneka Ogwumike, “Wind River” co-stars Elizabeth Olsen and Jeremy Renner, Danica Patrick and Issa Rae, among others.
BEST CHAMPIONSHIP PERFORMANCE
Tom Brady, Super Bowl Kevin Durant, NBA Finals *WINNER
Shay Knighten, WCWS
Deshaun Watson, CFB National Championship
BEST BREAKTHROUGH ATHLETE
Giannis Antetokounmpo, NBA
Laurie Hernandez, Gymnastics
Aaron Judge, MLB Dak Prescott, NFL *WINNER
Christian Pulisic, Soccer
BEST RECORD-BREAKING PERFORMANCE
Bill Belichick most Super Bowl wins by a head coach Michael Phelps extends his own record of most gold medals/most Olympic medals *WINNER
Diana Taurasi breaks WNBA career scoring record
Russell Westbrook most triple doubles in a season
BEST UPSET
Clemson defeats Alabama, CFB National Championship
Denis Istomin over Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2nd Round Mississippi State defeats Connecticut, Women’s NCAA Basketball Final Four *WINNER
BEST GAME
Cubs vs. Indians, World Series Game 7 Patriots vs. Falcons, Super Bowl *WINNER
Federer vs. Nadal, Australian Open Final
BEST COMEBACK ATHLETE
Matt Bush, MLB
Roger Federer, Tennis Jordy Nelson, NFL *WINNER
Candace Parker, WNBA
BEST PLAY (16 NOMINEES VOTED BRACKET-STYLE)
Julian Edelman Super Bowl catch vs. 16. Noah Brown TD catch around defender
Morgan Williams buzzer beater vs. UConn vs.15. Larry Nance dunk
Aaron Rodgers to Jared Cook vs. 14. Lamar Jackson hurdles defender *WINNER
Northwestern buzzer beater vs. 13. Edwin Encarnacion walk off HR
Russell Westbrook buzzer beater vs. 12. LeBron James dunk off the backboard
Chris Coghlan leaps over catcher vs. 11. Sidney Crosby one-handed goal
Olivier Giroud scorpion kick goa l vs. 10. Warriors jump ball transition dunk
Mario Mandzukic goal in UEFA Final vs. 9. Jarrod Dyson catch
BEST TEAM
Chicago Cubs, MLB
Clemson Tigers, CFB Golden State Warriors, NBA *WINNER
Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL
New England Patriots, NFL
South Carolina Gamecocks, Women’s NCAA Basketball
US Women’s Gymnastics
BEST INTERNATIONAL ATHLETE
Canelo Alvarez, Boxing Usain Bolt, Track & Field *WINNER
Katinka Hosszu, Swimming
Conor McGregor, MMA
Cristiano Ronaldo, Soccer
BEST NFL PLAYER
Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers *WINNER
Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
BEST MLB PLAYER
Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs
David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
Rick Porcello, Boston Red Sox
Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals Mike Trout, LA Angels *WINNER
BEST NHL PLAYER
Sergei Bobrovsky, Columbus Blue Jackets Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins *WINNER
Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
BEST DRIVER
Ron Capps, NHRA Lewis Hamilton, Formula One *WINNER
Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR
Simon Pagenaud, IndyCar
Martin Truex Jr., NASCAR
BEST NBA PLAYER
Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
James Harden, Houston Rockets LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers *WINNER
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
BEST WNBA PLAYER
Tina Charles, New York Liberty
Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics
Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx
Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles Sparks Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks *WINNER
BEST FIGHTER
Terence Crawford, Boxing
Gennady Golovkin, Boxing Demetrious Johnson, MMA
Conor McGregor, MMA
Andre Ward, Boxing
BEST MALE GOLFER
Brooks Koepka Sergio Garcia *WINNER
Dustin Johnson
Rory McIlroy
Henrik Stenson
BEST FEMALE GOLFER
In Gee Chun Ariya Jutanugarn *WINNER
Lydia Ko
So Yeon Ryu
Lexi Thompson
BEST MALE TENNIS PLAYER Roger Federer *WINNER
Andy Murray
Rafael Nadal
Stan Wawrinka
BEST FEMALE TENNIS PLAYER
Angelique Kerber
Jelena Ostapenko
Monica Puig Serena Williams *WINNER
BEST MALE COLLEGE ATHLETE
Ian Harkes, Wake Forest soccer
Frank Mason, Kansas basketball
Matt Rambo, Maryland lacrosse
Zain Retherford, Penn State wrestling DeShaun Watson, Clemson football *WINNER
BEST FEMALE COLLEGE ATHLETE
Inky Ajanaku, Stanford volleyball Kelly Barnhill, Florida softball *WINNER
Kadeisha Buchanan, West Virginia soccer
Kelsey Plum, Washington basketball
Zoe Stukenberg, Maryland lacrosse
BEST MALE ACTION SPORTS ATHLETE
Oystein Braaten (NOR), Ski
John John Florence, Surf
Nyjah Huston, Skateboard Mark McMorris, Snowboard *WINNER
BEST FEMALE ACTION SPORTS ATHLETE
Lacey Baker, Skateboard Anna Gasser, Snowboard *WINNER
Kelly Sildaru, Ski
Tyler Wright, Surf
BEST JOCKEY
Javier Castellano
Mike E. Smith John Velasquez *WINNER
BEST MALE ATHLETE WITH A DISABILITY
Will Groulx, Cycling
Mike Minor, Snowboarding Steve Serio, Wheelchair Basketball *WINNER
Brad Snyder, Swimming
Roderick Townsend, Track and Field
BEST FEMALE ATHLETE WITH A DISABILITY
Oksana Masters, Nordic Skiing
Tatyana McFadden, Track and Field Becca Meyers, Swimming *WINNER
Shawn Morelli, Cycling
Grace Norman, Triathlon
BEST BOWLER Jason Belmonte *WINNER
Francois Lavoie
EJ Tackett
BEST MLS PLAYER
Andre Blake, Philadelphia Union
Stefan Frei, Seattle Sounders FC
Matt Hedges, FC Dallas David Villa, New York City FC *WINNER
Bradley Wright-Phillips, New York Red Bulls
BEST MALE US OLYMPIC ATHLETE
Ashton Eaton, Decathlon
Ryan Murphy, Swimming Michael Phelps, Swimming *WINNER
Kyle Snyder, Wrestling
BEST FEMALE US OLYMPIC ATHLETE Simone Biles, Gymnastics *WINNER
Allyson Felix, Track & Field
Katie Ledecky, Swimming
Simone Manuel, Swimming
SPECIAL AWARDS
PAT TILLMAN AWARD FOR SERVICE
Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro
BEST COACH
Bob Hurley, Sr., Basketball Coach for 45 years at St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, New Jersey.
BEST MOMENT
Cubs 2016 World Series Victory
JIMMY V AWARD FOR PERSEVERANCE
New Orleans Saints fan Jarrius Robertson
ICON AWARD
Vin Scully, longtime Los Angeles Dodgers announcer
ARTHUR ASHE COURAGE AWARD
Eunice Kennedy Shriver
25 Most Memorable ESPYs Moments, From Stuart Scott to Justin Timberlake (Photos)
Since the first ESPYs Awards in 1993, the show has celebrated the best sports action from throughout the year while honoring trailblazers from all realms. It was originally held in March or April from New York City, but has since moved to its regular spot in July following the MLB All-Star game and migrated west to Los Angeles. Check out some of the best moments from the last quarter decade.
Debbie Emery
Jimmy V's historic speech begins it all (1993) Long before the Jimmy V Award existed, its namesake Jim Valvano made what still stands as the most famous speech in ESPYs’ history – and possibly all of sports. “I'm going to speak longer than anyone else has spoken tonight," Valvano said, accepting the first ever Arthur Ashe Courage Award (and everyone was more than OK with that). "Time is very precious to me. I don't know how much I have left and I have some things I would like to say." The N. C. State basketball coach was battling terminal bone cancer and died less than two months later.
ESPN
Michael Sam accepts the Courage Award (2014): After becoming the first openly gay football player to enter the NFL draft in 2014 (where he was picked by the St. Louis Rams), Michael Sam was then presented the Courage Award by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Sam quoted Arthur Ashe, telling the audience: "Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” The University of Missouri alum went on to tell the audience: "Those were the words to live by, whether you're black or white, young or old, straight or gay ... Football raised me, football taught me about hard work."
Getty Images
Sidney Poitier honors Muhammad Ali (1997): A Hollywood legend honored a boxing legend with an Oscar-worthy speech and the result was nothing short of magical. "In an age of discrimination, he stood up for racial pride. In an era of lost values, he had a spiritual rebirth. In a time of war, Muhammad Ali spoke of peace,” Poitier said when he took to the podium.
Stuart Scott's inspirational cancer speech (2014): Longtime “SportsCenter” anchor Stuart Scott became a part of the show in 2015 when he accepted the Jimmy V Perseverance Award. Up until then, few knew the extent of Scott’s cancer battle as he never let the struggle show on-air, but the sports broadcaster took the entire room with him on a beautiful, tear-jerking journey. “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live. So live. Live. Fight like hell and when you get too tired to fight then lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you." Scott died in January 2015 at age 49 – but he never lost the fight.
Getty Images
Devon Still accepts award for sick daughter Leah (2015): Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still became a household name during his five-year-old daughter Leah’s cancer battle, as he put supporting her ahead of his NFL career. Too sick to attend the ESPYs herself, the brave little girl said via video: “Sorry I couldn’t be here, everybody. Thank you for supporting me while I beat out cancer,” before her dad sent the message “don’t give up.” Two years later, Leah is cancer-free and the face of the Still Strong Foundation.
Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images
Ben Affleck pays tribute to a Yankees great (2015) A die-hard Boston Red Sox fan presenting a New York Yankees legend with the Icon Award, what could go wrong? Thankfully, “There was something about him [Jeter] that made the boos ring a little hollow. Maybe it was his inimitable class, maybe it was that he won with dignity and lost with grace. Maybe it was simply that we knew no matter what, he was a winner regardless,” Affleck said. "He broke my heart 100 times, if not more. And he broke it again when he retired.”
Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images
Jamie Foxx serenades Serena Williams (2003): We all heard Jamie Foxx sing as Ray Charles in Oscar-winning “Ray,” but no one expected him to honor Serena Williams with a little ditty titled, “Can I Be Your Tennis Ball?” when he served as host in 2003 and 2004. "15-love, 30-40 love, advantage you, 'til you get to deuce," went the catchy lyrics. Not even a Grand Slam champion could resist that.
YouTube
Craig Sager’s colorful Jimmy V Award speech (2016) Even though he spent the bulk of his career at Turner Sports, Craig Sager was beloved at ESPN. The “NBA on TNT” reporter lit up the stage in a rainbow bright jacket and yellow shirt before delivering a moving speech while accepting the Jimmy V Award. “I will continue to keep fighting -- sucking the marrow out of life, as the marrow sucks the life out of me,” Sager said. Sadly, he passed away from leukemia in December.
Lauren Hill's parents remember her (2015): College basketball phenomena Lauren Hill succumbed to a brain tumor three months before the ESPYs but that didn’t deplete her presence on the big night. When her parents took to the stage to accept the Best Moment award on her behalf, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. "We are so thankful to everyone who helped make Lauren's moment possible," Lauren's mother, Lisa Hill, said.
Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images
Bill Murray sings the “SportsCenter” theme song (1994) Diehard Chicago Cubs fan Bill Murray saw his dream come true last year with the World Series victory, but long before the Cubs’ curse was broken, Murray took to the stage to host the 1994 ESPYs, and put his sports knowledge and singing talent to the test by belting out the signature “SportsCenter” tune.
YouTube
Justin Timberlake sings “I Love Sports” (2008): Timberlake really does love sports, and he wasn’t afraid to tell the world while hosting the 2008 awards. The former NSYNC singer put his obsession to music in the catchy song that reflected on the sports year, poked fun at celebrity couples Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo and Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen, and mocked his role in Janet Jackson’s Nipplegate Super Bowl scandal.
YouTube
Norm Macdonald tries to offend everyone (1998): In comparison to Timberlake’s love of sports, Norm Macdonald ripped out the hearts of every sports fan watching with his ruthless opening monologue. From the Dallas Cowboys stripper scandal and O.J. Simpson, to rape allegations against Anthony Mason, no topic was too sensitive for the “Saturday Night Live” alum.
YouTube
Justin Timberlake vs. the Kansas Jayhawks (2008) Forever the performer, Tennessee native Timberlake couldn’t hide his love of the Memphis Tigers when he hosted the 2008 ESPYs – which meant ripping into Kansas Jayhawks star Mario Chalmers for beating his beloved team in the NCAA final. Unfortunately for the host, that victory earned Kansas the Best Game award.
Getty Images
Caitlyn Jenner's tearful speech (2105) The former Olympian captivated the audience when she accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. There was a hushed silence when she took to the stage in a sweeping white gown, but that soon broke into applause and standing ovations. “Trans people deserve something vital: They deserve your respect,” Jenner said.
ESPN
Robin Roberts is introduced by LeBron James (2013): A legend in her own right, Robin Roberts got an introduction worthy of royalty from LeBron “King” James when she was honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for her public handling of her battles with breast cancer in 2007 and myelodysplastic syndrome. The "Good Morning America" host got a standing ovation when she went on stage to receive the award from the NBA great.
Photo by Allen Kee / ESPN
LeBron James’ “LeBrogative” dance (2007) The Cleveland Cavaliers star was also part of a far less serious memorable moment in 2007 when he wore a wig and baggy pants to dance to “My LeBrogative” during his 2007 hosting gig. MC Hammer, eat your heart out.
YouTube
Dewey Bozella following his wrongful imprisonment (2011) Former amateur boxer Dewey Bozella's wrongful imprisonment for murder turned him into a national news story, and his appearance at the 2011 ESPYs to accept the Arthur Ashe Award following his release after serving a 26 year prison sentence turned him into a household name.
Photo by Allen Kee / ESPN
Drake performs two potential hits (2014) Everything Drake touches turns to gold, and that includes spoof songs he performs while hosting the ESPYs. "Honorable Mention" and "Side Pieces" were both cool enough to be hit singles if the rapper ever released them -- even though they're meant to be cheeky jokes poking fun at sports stars and their other halves.
YouTube
Gronk hosts a dance party (2015): What's better than one Gronkowski dancing at the ESPYs? Four, of course! Rob and his equally-as-hyped brothers Dan, Chris and Gordie Jr. did a joint shoulder-bumping, jumping celebration when the New England Patriots tight end won Comeback Player of the Year in 2015. Despite being a Seattle Seahawks fan, host Joel McHale even closed the show by thanking “everyone for coming, and Rob Gronkowski.”
ESPN
Will Ferrell accepts an award as Tiger Woods (2008): Long before Tiger Woods began hitting the news for the wrong reasons, Will Ferrell played a caricature of the golf champion in a hilarious ESPYs skit. "People are always asking me, 'Tiger, how do you do it?' And my answer is, 'Shut up.' I ask the questions."
ESPN
NBA stars take a stand (2016): Politics and sports often inevitably crossover, and in 2016 Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James opened the ESPYs by addressing the Black Lives Matter protests and recent police shootings. “We cannot ignore the realities of the current state of America,” Anthony said as the four NBA super stars stood on stage together.
YouTube
Destiny's Child twerk with Serena Williams (2005): Beyonce and co. were twerking at the ESPYs long before Gronk made it cool again. Destiny's Child were joined on stage by Serena Williams and track star Allyson Felix for a special performance of "Lose My Breath." Williams went on to appear in Beyonce's video for "Lemonade" last year.
YouTube
Chance the Rapper's Muhammad Ali tribute (2016): Tributes to the greatest of all time filled the 2016 ESPY Awards, with the event taking place just over a month after his death. But none was more tuneful than the Chance the Rapper's closing song, which left guests with a black and white image of the Ali as they left the show instead of the customary confetti.
ESPN
Pat Summitt defies the odds -- again (2012): Despite battling Alzheimer's disease, University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball coach Pat Summitt gave one of her signature inspiring speeches when she was presented with Arthur Ashe Award by fellow Tennessean Peyton Manning. "It is time to fight," the winningest D-1 coach in NCAA history said. "As I ask all of you to join me together so we will win."
ESPN Video
Stevie Wonder presents Best Team to the Lakers (2009): Musical great Stevie Wonder got to celebrate the Lakers' glory years when he presented the Best Team award to Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher and their teammates. While that was pretty cool, but it will be Wonder's awesome introduction -- which included a promised that he planned to become "a quarterback for the Steelers or a point guard for the Cavaliers," before breaking into song that sticks in most people's memories.
YouTube
1 of 26
TheWrap looks back at 25 years of hilarious and heartfelt highlights
Since the first ESPYs Awards in 1993, the show has celebrated the best sports action from throughout the year while honoring trailblazers from all realms. It was originally held in March or April from New York City, but has since moved to its regular spot in July following the MLB All-Star game and migrated west to Los Angeles. Check out some of the best moments from the last quarter decade.