Oklahoma City Thunder's US star Kevin Durant has been named the "most valuable player" of the NBA's 2013-2014 regular season for the first time in his career.
Durant, known for his long clutch ability, averaged 32 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 81 games over his seven-year career, according to a statement published on the NBA's website.
The 25-year-old star of Thunder was awarded the NBA's prestigious individual award following a poll of sports journalists and publishers.
He beat Miami Heat's powerhouse LeBron James, who had been honoured with the trophy four times in the last five years, and Los Angeles Clippers' all-star forward Blake Griffin -- largely known for his monster slam dunks.
Durant -- nicknamed "Slim Reaper" -- was the leading scorer in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and surpassed a 40-point-threshold five times this season, breaking his career record by scoring 54 points.
Other NBA legends who have won the award include: Los Angeles Lakers' former star Kareem Abdul Jabbar, who has won it six times, and Chicago Bulls' iconic shooting guard Michael Jordan and Bill Russell from Boston Celtics, who have each received the award five times.
Wilt Chamberlain -- who scored 100 points in a single NBA game during his Philadelphia Warriors era -- and Miami Heat's powerhouse LeBron James, were each honored with it four times.
The last 10 seasons' MVP's are as follows:
| Seasons | Players | Teams |
|---|
| 2004-2005 |
Steve Nash |
Phoenix Suns |
| 2005-2006 |
Steve Nash |
Phoenix Suns |
| 2006-2007 |
Dirk Nowitzki |
Dallas Mavericks |
| 2007-2008 |
Kobe Bryant |
Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2008-2009 |
LeBron James |
Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2009-2010 |
LeBron James |
Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2010-2011 |
Derrick Rose |
Chicago Bulls |
| 2011-2012 |
LeBron James |
Miami Heat |
| 2012-2013 |
LeBron James |
Miami Heat |
| 2013-2014 |
Kevin Durant |
Oklahoma City Thunder |
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