NEW YORK — Once, it seemed unlikely the NBA ever would embrace Russell Westbrook this way.
The Thunder guard stood on stage Monday night at Basketball City and accepted the league's 2016-17 Most Valuable Player award. The trophy was presented by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver with former winners looking on at the first-ever NBA Awards show.
"I can't hold this,” Westbrook said, and handed the trophy back to Silver. There was a list of people to thank.
That included his teammates — those in attendance joined him on the stage — and the fans in Oklahoma City.