It's official: Stephen Curry named NBA's MVP

Former Davidson star Stephen Curry is named the NBAs Most Valuable Player, according to NBA.com.

The Golden State Warriors' point guard won the league's top individual award Monday, beating out Houston's James Harden in a race that turned out not to be that close.

Curry received 100 of 130 first-place votes for a total of 1,198 points from a panel of 129 writers and broadcasters, along with the fan vote on the NBA's website. Harden had 25 first-place votes and 936 points. Cleveland's LeBron James, a four-time MVP, got five first-place votes and 552 points.

Oklahoma City Thunder's Russell Westbrook (352 points) finished fourth and New Orleans Pelicans big man Anthony Davis (203 points) was fifth.

Curry is in his sixth NBA season as point guard of the Golden State Warriors. This season he led the Warriors to the leagues best regular-season record at 67-15. The Warriors have advanced to the second round of the playoffs and lead the Memphis Grizzlies 1-0 in that series.

Curry, son of former Charlotte Hornets player Dell Curry, grew in Charlotte, playing high school ball at Charlotte Christian. Although not widely recruited, he went on to star at Davidson.

Curry turned pro after his junior season at Davidson, and the Warriors selected him seventh overall in the 2009 draft. He has since played in two All-Star Games, starting for the Western Conference this past February.

In a recent interview with Observer columnist Scott Fowler, Davidson coach Bob McKillop was asked how Curry has improved since leaving college basketball.

Without a doubt, the ability to dribble, McKillop replied. Hes become a maestro with the ball in his hands a magician. And that doesnt happen unless youve invested so much time in it.

Curry finished the regular season sixth in scoring at 23.8 points per game and sixth in assists at 7.7 per game. He had the NBAs best free-throw percentage at 91.4 percent and was third in 3-point percentage at 44.3 percent.

Media members regularly covering the NBA vote for the MVP along with other end-of-season awards. Each vote is for five MVP candidates in descending order.

Other players expected to garner considerable votes for MVP include Houston Rockets guard James Harden, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James and Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook.

- The Associated Press contributed.

Source: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article20154645.html