Thunder’s Kevin Durant wins his first MVP award, beating LeBron James

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant was named most valuable player of the NBA for the first time, the league announced Tuesday.

Durant received 119 of 125 first-place votes, beating out Miami Heat superstar LeBron James. James, who had won the last two MVP awards and four of the previous five, finished second with six first-place votes. Clippers forward Blake Griffin was third.

Durant averaged 32 points a game this season, winning his fourth scoring title in five seasons. He helped the Thunder finish the regular season with a record of 59-23, second-best in the league.

James told reporters Monday that Durant earned the award: “Much respect to him and he deserves it,” he said. “He had a big-time MVP season.”

Complete voting:

1. Kevin Durant — 1,232 points (119 first-place-votes)
2. LeBron James — 891 (6)
3. Blake Griffin — 434
4. Joakim Noah — 322
5. James Harden — 85
6. Stephen Curry — 66
7. Chris Paul — 45
8. Al Jefferson — 34
9. Paul George — 33
10. LaMarcus Aldridge — 26
11. Kevin Love — 25
12. Tim Duncan — 21
13. Tony Parker — 21
14. Dirk Nowitzki — 7
15. Carmelo Anthony — 4
16. Goran Dragic — 3
17. Mike Conley — 1