Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry has been recognised as the NBA MVP for the second straight year and the first unanimous winner in league history.
"I look at the list of who have won multiple MVP awards before and they're legends," said a humbled Curry.
"And, to be the first unanimous MVP, I don't know how to put it in to words. It's a huge honour I'll remember for the rest of my life."
Steve Nash, also a two-time MVP winner, presented the prestigious trophy to Curry and welcomed him into the elite fraternity.
"One of the things I think of when I think of Steph is how he's changed the game of basketball," Nash said.
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"It's a testament to his joy and love to play the game."
Curry became the 11th back-to-back MVP winner, sweeping all 131 first-place votes, scoring a total of 1,310 points in the overall voting.
The San Antonio Spurs' Kawhi Leonard finished a distant second with 634 points, and the Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James was third with 631 points.
Oklahoma City Thunder teammates Russell Westbrook (486 points) and Kevin Durant (147) rounded out the top five.
Curry averaged a league-best 30.1 points per game this season to go along with 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals, while leading the defending champs to an all-time NBA single season record of 73-9.
The 28-year-old Curry also shot 50.4 per cent from the field, 45.4 per cent from three-point range and made 90.8 per cent of his free throws.
He shattered the league's single season mark for three-pointers, making 402, bettering his previous record of 286.
Warriors coach and newly-minted NBA Coach of the Year Steve Kerr pointed to Curry's drive to excel.
"Winning MVP last year wasn't enough, but you came back this year dramatically better," Kerr said. "How does that happen? It's got to be inside.
"You've got a lot of God-given talent but it's the determination, the love for the game. There's no agenda, you want to get better. Steph, you're amazing."
Curry shared his achievement with his family and nearby defending league champion teammates.
"We've accomplished a lot and we're competing for another banner," he said. "No team has done what you guys have done in the history of the game.
"It's a special time. It's just fun and I think that's what makes it special. I'm not sitting here with this trophy without you guys. We have such a great mesh that works. Be appreciative of what we have here.
"Let's keep this train rolling and win another championship."
