FILE - This May 9, 2017 file photo shows San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) walking on the court during the second half of Game 5 in a second-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Houston Rockets in San Antonio. The NBA will announce the winner of the MVP and the other individual honors during the first NBA Awards show in New York. Oklahoma Cityâs Russell Westbrook, Houstonâs James Harden and San Antonioâs Kawhi Leonard are the finalists for MVP of the 2016-17 season. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) - It's awards night in the NBA.
The league will announce the winner of the MVP and the other individual honors during the first NBA Awards show in New York.
Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook, Houston's James Harden and San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard are the finalists for MVP of the 2016-17 season.
The awards for Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year also will presented during the show, which begins at 9 p.m. EDT and will be televised on TNT.
Leonard could be a double winner, as he is also a finalist for the defensive award that he won the last two years.
Before this season, the NBA's awards were given at various times throughout the postseason.
Hall of Famer Bill Russell will also be presented with the first lifetime achievement award during the telecast.
FILE - In this April 23, 2017 file photo, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots between Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley, rear, and guard James Harden, right, in the fourth quarter of Game 4 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series in Oklahoma City. Westbrook will join Houstonâs James Harden and San Antonioâs Kawhi Leonard as finalists for the leagueâs MVP award. The winner will be announced Monday, June 26, at the inaugural NBA Awards show. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
The Associated Press