Giannis Antetokounmpo named regular season MVP
Awards show in California recognizes players for their performances during NBA's 2018-19 regular season
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has been named the NBA's 2018-19 regular season Most Valuable Player (MVP) during an awards show in California.
The awards show, hosted by NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal in Santa Monica on Monday night, was attended by NBA players, legends, TV personalities, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
The honor made the 24-year-old superstar the first foreign-born player to be named MVP since Dirk Nowitzki in 2007, and the youngest MVP since Derrick Rose in 2011, the youngest in NBA history.
Antetokounmpo was named the MVP over his opponents, finalists James Harden of the Houston Rockets and Paul George of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In an emotional speech, Giannis paid tribute to his late father, who died in 2017 of a heart attack in Milwaukee.
"Two years ago, I had this goal in my head. That I am going to be the best player in the league," he said.
Giannis averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game in the regular season. Bucks failed to go the NBA Finals after being beaten by the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Here is the full list of award winners in the NBA's 2018-19 regular season:
Rookie of the Year
Winner: Luka Doncic, Mavericks
Other finalists: Deandre Ayton, Suns; Trae Young, Hawks
Coach of the Year
Winner: Mike Budenholzer, Bucks
Other finalists: Michael Malone, Nuggets; Doc Rivers, Clippers
Sixth Man Award
Winner: Lou Williams, Clippers
Other finalists: Montrezl Harrell, Clippers; Domantas Sabonis, Pacers
Defensive Player of the Year
Winner: Rudy Gobert, Jazz
Other finalists: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks; Paul George, Thunder
Most Improved Player
Winner: Pascal Siakam, Raptors
Other finalists: De'Aaron Fox, Kings; D'Angelo Russell, Nets
NBA Cares Community Assist Award
Winner: Bradley Beal, Wizards
Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award
Winner: Mike Conley, Grizzlies
Sportsmanship Award
Winner: Mike Conley, Grizzlies
Lifetime Achievement Award
Winners: Larry Bird, Magic Johnson
Sager Strong Award
Winner: Robin Roberts
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