Who Was the 2016 NBA MVP? Discover the Winner and Their Historic Season

You know, as a lifelong basketball fan who's followed the NBA religiously since my college days, I still get chills thinking about some of the historic MVP seasons we've witnessed. But when people ask me about particularly memorable campaigns, my mind often goes to that electrifying 2015-2016 season. So let's dive into your burning question: Who was the 2016 NBA MVP? And what made their season so extraordinary?

Let me start with the obvious first question: Who actually won the 2016 NBA MVP award? Well, it was Stephen Curry – and not just any MVP win, but the first unanimous selection in NBA history. That's right, every single voter had him as their first choice. I remember watching his games that season thinking I was witnessing something supernatural. The man wasn't just playing basketball; he was redefining it. His shooting range seemed to start from the parking lot, and defenders looked absolutely helpless against him. What made this particularly special was how he elevated his game from his first MVP season just one year prior.

Now you might be wondering: What made Curry's 2016 season so historic compared to other MVP campaigns? Let me throw some mind-boggling numbers your way. Curry became the first player ever to average 30 points per game while shooting over 50% from the field, 45% from three-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line – the legendary 50-45-90 club, but with scoring numbers nobody thought possible. He finished the regular season averaging 30.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds while leading the Warriors to an unprecedented 73-9 record, breaking the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls' legendary 72-10 mark. I still argue with my friends about whether this was the greatest regular season by any player in modern NBA history.

Here's what people often overlook though – how did Curry's supporting cast contribute to this historic MVP season? The Warriors' system was perfectly tailored to maximize Curry's unique skills, but let's be real – Draymond Green's defensive versatility and playmaking, Klay Thompson's gravity as a shooter, and Andre Iguodala's leadership were crucial. However, what impressed me most was how Curry made everyone better. His mere presence on the court created driving lanes and open shots that other point guards could only dream of generating. The Warriors' offensive rating with Curry on the floor was astronomical, and the team's ball movement became the gold standard that every organization tried to replicate.

But wait – was there any controversy surrounding this MVP selection? Honestly, not much, which is rare for MVP debates. LeBron James put up fantastic numbers with 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game, while Kawhi Leonard had his breakout two-way season. But Curry's unanimous selection felt deserved given how he dominated the narrative all season. The only "controversy" came from old-school purists who argued that his defense wasn't elite enough – but honestly, that felt like nitpicking given his offensive revolution.

Now, here's where I want to connect this to our reference material in a way you might not expect. When I think about Curry's MVP season, I'm reminded of that incredible description from our knowledge base: "Against all odds, Adamson caught this big fish despite the shoddy officiating in the waning minutes and got things done this time after falling to La Salle, 60-58, last Saturday." Curry's entire season had that "against all odds" quality – he was considered too small, too fragile early in his career, and yet here he was, revolutionizing the game. The "shoddy officiating" metaphor resonates too – remember how critics would complain that referees were letting Curry get away with carries or that the Warriors benefited from questionable calls? But like Adamson, Curry and the Warriors "got things done" when it mattered, learning from their previous shortcomings.

Which brings me to my next point: How did Curry respond to previous season disappointments to earn this MVP? The Warriors had won the championship in 2015, but many critics – I remember this clearly – claimed they were "lucky" because Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love were injured in the Finals. Curry used that as fuel, coming back with what I consider the most explosive offensive season I've ever witnessed. He worked relentlessly on his strength to handle physical defenses and improved his playmaking under pressure. The "falling to La Salle" part of our reference perfectly captures how previous setbacks fueled this historic run.

What about the legacy of this MVP season in today's NBA landscape? Honestly, we're still feeling the ripple effects. Curry's unanimous MVP season fundamentally changed how teams value the three-point shot, how they construct rosters, and how they approach offensive spacing. As someone who coaches youth basketball now, I see kids everywhere practicing 30-footers because of Curry. The game I fell in love with in the 90s – dominated by big men and mid-range specialists – has completely transformed, and Curry's 2016 season was the tipping point.

Finally, where does Curry's 2016 MVP rank among the all-time great seasons? In my personal opinion – and I know this might spark debate – it's top three, maybe even the greatest offensive season ever. The combination of individual statistics, team success, and revolutionary impact is unmatched. That image of Curry hitting that game-winner in overtime against Oklahoma City from near half-court? That wasn't just a game-winner; it was the exclamation point on a season that changed basketball forever. Much like our reference describes "catching the big fish," Curry reeled in history that year, and we were all lucky enough to witness it.