6 reasons why Stephen Curry is the first unanimous league MVP in NBA history

To pretty much no one's surprise, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry was named the NBA's most valuable player for a second consecutive season, it was announced Tuesday. Not only that, but Curry is the first unanimous MVP in league history.

When you look back at the regular season, it's obvious why Curry swept this year's ballot. As ESPN notes, he smashed the league record for three-pointers made in a single season and is the first player ever to average 30 points per game in less than 35 minutes per game. Below, six feats of basketball brilliance that prove why Curry is adding another Maurice Podoloff Trophy to his mantle. (The award acknowledges only the regular season, so his 40-point, off-the-bench, injury-dismissing playoff performance Monday night against the Portland Trail Blazers is just icing on the most valuable cake.) Kimberly Alters

Oct. 27, 2015: Opens the season with a 40-point game

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Fresh off his first MVP win — and the Warriors' championship run — Curry opened the season with a cool, casual 40-point performance.

Jan. 7, 2016: Shows off his handles during warm-ups

Lest you think he's a one-trick, three-point shooting pony, Curry showed off his ball-handling bonafides while warming up before a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jan 25, 2016: Shakes Kawhi Leonard before draining a three

San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Curry put him on skates and then promptly drained a three.

Feb. 27, 2016: Breaks the record for three-pointers made in a single game

While the Warriors were in the thick of their pursuit of the winningest record in NBA history, Curry came through in the clutch with a three-pointer from way downtown to keep Golden State on track for 73 victories — while also making the most shots ever from range in a single game.

March 8, 2016: Makes his 300th three-pointer of the season

Guess who held the record for most threes before Curry broke it against the Magic? If you guessed Stephen Curry, you're right: He broke his own record, which he had set just last season.

April 13, 2016: Makes his 400th three-pointer in the Warriors' record-breaking 73rd win

After some surprising late-season losses, it looked like Golden State might fall short of breaking the Chicago Bulls' record for most wins in a single campaign. But the Warriors prevailed on the last day of the season — and while they were at it, Curry became the first player in league history to drain 400 threes in a year.