NBA Awards 2019: Giannis Antetokounmpo Dethrones James Harden To Become Most Valuable Player

It was such an emotional night for Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo who burst into tears on the podium for the NBA most valuable player award on Monday night.
In the contest for the coveted award, Giannis beat Houston Rockets' forward James Harden and Oklahoma City Thunder Paul George for the award.
The 24-year-old praised his family especially his father for his role in his journey to become who he is today in his career.
Reigning champions' Siakam Pascal received the most improved player for his role in Toronto Raptors performance in the NBA playoffs and Mike Conley (Memphis Grizzlies) received sportsmanship and Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award.

See below for a full list of winners

Most Valuable Player
Winner: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
Contenders: Paul George (OKC Thunder) and James Harden (Houston Rockets)

Rookie of the Year
Winner: Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
Contenders: Deandre Ayton (Phoenix Suns) and Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)

Coach of the Year
Winner: Mike Budenholzer (Milwaukee Bucks)
Contenders: Michael Malone (Denver Nuggets) and Doc Rivers ( Los Angeles Clippers)

Sixth Man Award
Winner: Lou Williams (Los Angeles Clippers)
Contenders: Montrezl Harrell (Los Angeles Clippers) Domantas Sabonis (Indiana Pacers)

Defensive Player of the Year
Winner: Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz)
Contenders: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) and Paul George (OKC Thunder)

Most Improved Player
Winner: Pascal Siakam (Toronto Raptors)
Contender: De'Aaron Fox (Sacramento Kings) and D'Angelo Russell (Brooklyn Nets)

NBA Cares Community Assist Award
Winner: Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards)

Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award
Winner: Mike Conley (Memphis Grizzlies)

Sportsmanship Award
Winner: Mike Conley (Memphis Grizzlies)

Lifetime Achievement Award
Winners: Magic Johnson, Larry Bird