Rockets ace Harden crowned MVP

Los Angeles: Houston star James Harden was crowned the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for 2018 on Monday, taking home the honour despite a disappointing end to the season which saw the Rockets beaten in the NBA Finals.

The 28-year-old Rockets guard beat out competition from Cleveland Cavaliers icon LeBron James and the New Orleans Pelicans’ Anthony Davis. Harden’s award came after a season which saw him average more than 30 points per game, with 5.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists.

Although Houston finished the regular season on top of the Western Conference, they were beaten 4-3 in the play-offs by the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors would go on to beat Cleveland 4-0 in the finals.