Russell Westbrook tears up in emotional NBA MVP award speech

Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook, who became only the second player in NBA history to average a triple double for an entire season, was named the NBA Most Valuable Player at the inaugural NBA Awards show.

Westbrook defeated fellow finalists James Harden of Houston and Kawhi Leonard of San Antonio to claim the season MVP award for the first time in ceremonies at New York.

The 28-year-old guard, who helped the Americans win 2012 London Olympic gold, averaged a league-high 31.6 points plus 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists a game, matching Oscar Robertson from 1962 with double digits in three statistical categories for a full season.

“To everybody in Oklahoma City who helped me go out every night and compete at a high level, I thank you for that,” said Westbrook, who invited teammates on stage with him.

“It was an amazing season for me but without these guys none of it would have been possible. This award is not for me. It’s for all of us.”