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11 May, 2016 14:50

Curry makes NBA history with unanimous MVP award

Curry makes NBA history with unanimous MVP award

Steph Curry etched his name into the record books after becoming the first-ever unanimous winner of the NBA's Most Valuable Player award.

Curry, who claimed the prize for the second year in succession, was picked first by each of the 130 votes cast by the media as he racked up 1,310 points.

The Golden State Warriors star led his team to a new NBA record of 73 wins during the regular season, beating the previous mark of 72 set by the 1995/96 Chicago Bulls.

READ MORE: Warriors break Bulls' NBA season-best record

His final total of 402 three-pointers was the first time in history anyone had broken the 400 barrier.

Curry's average of 30.1 points per game topped this season's standings, and he became only the fourth player in NBA history to average at least 30 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals in a season, following Rick Barry (1974-75), Michael Jordan (three times) and Dwyane Wade (2008-09).

Stellar names like Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James are previous winners of the award, but no player has ever swept all the first-place votes before.

San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard was second in the MVP awards with 634 points, with Cleveland Cavaliers' James third with 631 points.

Curry's season showed no signs of slowing down just yet, as he returned to action on Monday after being sidelined through injury.

He bagged 40 points to inspire the Warriors to a 132-125 overtime win against the Portland Trail Blazers, securing a 3-1 lead in their Western Conference semi-final.

READ MORE: Endorsements put Stephen Curry on fast track to top of NBA pile

While the Warriors look well-placed to progress to the Conference final, the San Antonio Spurs are just one game away from a shock elimination by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Russell Westbrook led the way with 35 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists for the Thunder as they came from behind to take a 3-2 lead in the seven-game series.

Westbrook's three-point play with six seconds left sealed the win, although a non-call during the play by the officials caused some controversy.

Leonard's intentional foul attempt on Westbrook wasn't called, leaving the Thunder player free to drive at the basket and bag the crucial score.

"He got away, attacked the rim and got a one-and-one," Spurs guard Manu Ginobili said. "Very tough outcome. I didn't watch the replay. I don't know how emphatic the foul was, but it's not the point.

"We should have arrived to that point in a better situation. For most of the game we were up. We had couple of opportunities to get a good lead. They made some tough shots and we couldn't capitalize."

Kevin Durant added 23 points as the Thunder recorded their second success in San Antonio. The Spurs had lost just once at home during the regular season. 

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