The Oklahoma City Thunder star, Kevin Durant, has praised his New Zealand team-mate, Steven Adams, during his acceptance speech for the National Basketball's Association Most Valuable Player award.
Durant claimed his first MVP honour, earning 119 first place votes, well ahead of his nearest rival, the four time MVP LeBron James, who had six.
The 25-year-old gave an emotional 25 minute speech in Oklahoma City, thanking each of his team-mates individually, including the New Zealand rookie Adams.
He admitted he didn't know who Adams was when he arrived at the team but said he had been inspired by Adams' rise to the NBA following his rough childhood.
Durant's Thunder side are 1-nil down in their second round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers with game two tomorrow.
